UPDATE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has just announced plans for Israel to take full military control of Gaza, emphasizing the goal of eliminating Hamas while rejecting long-term governance of the territory. This urgent statement comes ahead of a critical security cabinet meeting set for Thursday night as Israel intensifies its ongoing military campaign, which has now lasted for over 22 months.
In a recent interview with Fox News, Netanyahu confirmed, “We intend to [take control of Gaza] in order to assure our security, remove Hamas, and enable the population to be free of [Hamas].” He stated that the plan involves transferring governance to non-Hamas Arab forces to ensure stability and improve living conditions for Gazans. However, he firmly stated, “We don’t want to keep it,” indicating a desire for a security perimeter rather than direct administration.
This strategic shift raises significant concerns for Gaza’s future, especially as Netanyahu did not provide a timeline for military operations or governance transfers. Currently, Israel controls approximately three-quarters of Gaza, and there is growing international pressure for a ceasefire as civilian casualties continue to mount.
“There is nothing left to occupy. There is no Gaza left,” said local resident Maysaa al-Heila, reflecting the dire situation on the ground.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 61,000 Palestinians have died in the ongoing conflict, with most of the population displaced from their homes. Humanitarian organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, are expressing alarm over the escalating chaos, mismanagement, and violence at food distribution sites, where hundreds have been injured or killed in recent weeks.
Internationally, leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are calling for an immediate halt to the fighting and more humanitarian aid for Gaza’s civilians. They have also indicated readiness to recognize a Palestinian state, a move vehemently opposed by Netanyahu, who accuses them of supporting terrorism.
Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is pushing for a two-state solution, following massive protests in Sydney where an estimated 300,000 people crossed the Sydney Harbour Bridge in a demonstration against Israel’s military actions. The protests underscored escalating global outrage over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
As the conflict drags on with no clear resolution in sight, the humanitarian plight of Gazans worsens. Aid agencies warn of impending disaster as the population faces unprecedented challenges in accessing food and medical care amid ongoing violence. The world watches closely as Netanyahu’s cabinet prepares to approve the military plan that could reshape Gaza’s future.
This developing situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as the security cabinet convenes and international responses continue to unfold.
