Netanyahu set to unveil Gaza occupation war plan

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing to reveal a revised strategy for the Gaza conflict, aiming to dismantle Hamas and secure the return of hostages still held in the enclave. Local media reports suggest the plan may include full military occupation of Gaza, a development that has already drawn sharp criticism from Palestinian leadership.

Anticipated Orders and Security Consultations

Netanyahu is expected to meet with top security officials in Jerusalem this week to deliver updated directives. The gathering will reportedly include the army chief of staff, the defense minister, and other high-level military officials. Though the exact timing remains unconfirmed, Netanyahu has said the meeting will occur “in the coming days.”

According to Israel’s Channel 12, unnamed senior sources have indicated that Netanyahu will instruct the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to seize complete control of Gaza. Public broadcaster Kan echoed this claim, reporting that cabinet members have confirmed Netanyahu’s intention to expand military operations into areas suspected of holding Israeli hostages.

Leading daily Maariv stated, “The die is cast. We’re en route for the total conquest of Gaza.”

Palestinian Response and Ceasefire Stalemate

The suggested reoccupation plan has prompted a strong reaction from both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Senior Hamas figure Husam Badran criticized the proposal, accusing Israel and the United States of stalling ceasefire negotiations. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Badran reaffirmed Hamas’s willingness to reach an agreement to end hostilities but said progress depends on Israeli and American willingness to compromise.

Humanitarian Crisis and Military Fallout

The war, now stretching into its 22nd month, began following the deadly Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel on October 7, 2023. That attack left 1,219 Israelis dead and hundreds abducted. In response, Israel launched a full-scale military campaign that has devastated much of Gaza. According to the Gaza health ministry, over 60,900 Palestinians have since died, and humanitarian organizations warn that the 2.4 million residents of Gaza are now on the brink of widespread famine.

Despite these warnings, Netanyahu’s government maintains that the threat of starvation has been overstated. Nevertheless, under growing international pressure, Israel has made limited concessions.

New Mechanism for Gaza Trade

COGAT, the Israeli defense ministry agency responsible for civil affairs in the Palestinian territories, announced on Tuesday a partial reopening of private-sector trade with Gaza. The goal is to reduce Gaza’s dependency on UN humanitarian deliveries and foreign military airdrops.

According to COGAT, a small group of Gaza merchants will be permitted to import essential goods, pending thorough security checks. Payments will be processed via monitored bank transfers to prevent any funds or materials from reaching Hamas.

Approved items under this scheme include staple foods, baby formula, hygiene products, fruits, and vegetables. All shipments will undergo inspection by Israeli forces prior to entry.

Mounting Calls for Hostage Resolution

While Netanyahu maintains that Israel’s war objectives are to defeat Hamas, recover the hostages, and eliminate future threats from Gaza, pressure is mounting from multiple fronts. Inside Israel, families of the 49 remaining hostages are calling for an immediate ceasefire, fearing that further military escalation could endanger their loved ones. These families have been increasingly vocal in recent weeks, organizing demonstrations and appealing directly to the government.

Internationally, momentum is building around diplomatic recognition of a Palestinian state, with several European nations endorsing the move in defiance of U.S. and Israeli objections.

Former Israeli military leaders have also joined the chorus, with hundreds of retired officials recently sending a letter to former U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to push Netanyahu toward ending the war. They argue that Israel has already achieved its key security objectives and should now focus on negotiating the release of the remaining hostages.

Meanwhile, militant groups including Hamas and Islamic Jihad have released new footage of captives in deteriorating health, further intensifying public and political scrutiny of Israel’s current war strategy.