Israel's War Cabinet Considers Total Occupation of Gaza Amidst Rising Protests

On Thursday afternoon, the Israeli government's war cabinet convened to deliberate a controversial plan for the total occupation of the Gaza Strip. The meeting, ongoing since 5:30 PM Italian time, has yet to produce any formal statements concerning its outcome. Key ministers from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration are participating in these critical discussions. Before the meeting, Netanyahu provided an interview to Fox News where he reaffirmed the intention to occupy all of Gaza. He clarified that the goal is not to hold or govern the Strip, but rather to eradicate any Hamas presence, eventually handing control over to unspecified "Arab forces." However, much about the future of Gaza remains murky, with the Israeli army indicating plans to occupy even the 20% of the territory they do not currently control. Reports from Israeli and international media suggest that the plan's initial phase, slated to last up to six months, would involve the occupation of the city of Gaza, necessitating new evacuation orders for approximately one million Palestinians. The Israeli government has also proposed creating facilities to accommodate the displaced in southern Gaza and increasing distribution points for food and essential supplies from four to sixteen, through an organization known as the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. This foundation, established at the behest of the Israeli state, has been criticized for its chaotic and dangerous operating methods, leading to tragic incidents where Israeli soldiers and U.S. contractors have fired into crowds, resulting in multiple fatalities. The push for total occupation has met backlash from Israeli army Chief of Staff General Eyal Zamir, who has been in open conflict with Netanyahu in recent days. Zamir, appointed only months ago and perceived as more aligned with the prime minister, has raised concerns regarding the risks of occupying densely populated areas. He stated that these operations pose significant challenges for Israeli soldiers engaged in almost two years of warfare. Furthermore, Zamir has expressed apprehension for the fate of 20 hostages still held by Hamas. Families of the hostages voiced their dissent against the proposed escalation of military actions, labeling the new strategy as a death sentence for their loved ones. They called for an immediate ceasefire and encouraged wider participation in a demonstration organized in Jerusalem. On Thursday, hundreds gathered to protest outside the Prime Minister’s office concurrent with the war cabinet meeting, with participation swelling to thousands throughout cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Jerusalem. Polls indicate that over 70% of the Israeli public has favored ending the war with an agreement that secures the release of the hostages. The unrest reflects a deepening divide within Israeli society as citizens grapple with the ongoing conflict and its implications for both security and humanitarian considerations. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2