Israeli Security Cabinet Approves Gaza City Occupation Proposal Amid Controversy

The Israeli Security Cabinet has given the green light to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's proposal to occupy Gaza City, according to a source from the Israeli Executive who spoke to Axios. This decision, which came after over ten hours of intense debate, marks the first step in a much broader offensive that could potentially extend across the entire Palestinian enclave. The operation, set to be led by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), aims to evacuate approximately one million Palestinian civilians from the region. Netanyahu confirmed his intentions in an interview with Fox News, stating that he seeks to control all of Gaza to eliminate Hamas, while emphasizing that he does not plan to dominate the territory. "We want a secure Strip and to hand Gaza over to Arab forces to govern it properly," Netanyahu asserted during the interview. However, this action has not been without controversy. Despite the backing from the Israeli Security Cabinet, several high-ranking military officials, including Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, have publicly expressed their disapproval of the offensive. Zamir cautioned Netanyahu that the operation might lead into a trap that could jeopardize the lives of hostages still held by Hamas in the Strip. He warned that such an extensive military operation could compel Israel to govern over more than two million Palestinians in Gaza directly, escalating an already tense situation. This debate within Israel's military leadership reflects broader concerns about the humanitarian impact of a large-scale military operation in Gaza, especially given the already high levels of civilian suffering reported in the territory. As the situation continues to develop, both international observers and local populations remain anxious about the potential repercussions of this invasion. The unfolding scenario highlights the complexity and volatility of the ongoing conflict, raising critical questions about the balance between military objectives and humanitarian considerations. As the Israeli government moves forward with this plan, the world watches closely, aware of the potential for significant escalation in the region. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2