Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly preparing to announce plans for the complete military occupation of Gaza, marking a dramatic escalation in the nearly two-year conflict with Hamas.
According to multiple Israeli media outlets, Netanyahu has privately told ministers he intends to pursue full "occupation of the Strip," a significant shift from his government's previous strategy. The decision comes after the collapse of indirect ceasefire negotiations and growing frustration over the lack of progress in securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.
"The decision has been made," a senior official in Netanyahu's office told Channel 12's Amit Segal. "Hamas won't release more hostages without total surrender, and we won't surrender. If we don't act now, the hostages will starve to death and Gaza will remain under Hamas's control."
The Israeli Defense Forces currently control approximately 75% of Gaza's territory. The new plan would see forces enter all remaining areas, including zones where hostages are reportedly being held a move that could endanger captive lives and escalate civilian casualties.
Netanyahu's war cabinet is scheduled to convene Tuesday to finalize the next steps in Gaza. The timing coincides with the release of disturbing footage showing emaciated Israeli hostages Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David, intensifying domestic pressure on the prime minister to secure their release.
However, the occupation strategy has exposed deep divisions within Israel's military and political establishment. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. General Eyal Zamir reportedly opposes the plan, leading to tensions with the political leadership. A senior source close to Netanyahu allegedly responded, "If the chief of staff doesn't agree, he should resign."
Military officials are concerned about being drawn into a prolonged war of attrition with Hamas militants and worry about the fate of remaining hostages. The army has reportedly prepared alternative strategies that involve limited expansion into previously untouched areas rather than full occupation.
The proposed escalation comes just days after US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff visited Israel to promote a new peace framework. Despite initial optimism, both sides appear to have abandoned diplomatic channels following the breakdown of talks in Doha.
Gaza's Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the reported plans and called for urgent international intervention to prevent their implementation. The ministry questioned whether the announcements were genuine intentions or pressure tactics designed to gauge international reactions.
If implemented, the occupation could have devastating consequences for Gaza's 2.2 million residents, who are already facing severe humanitarian challenges. Aid agencies have warned that continued fighting in densely populated areas could trigger a catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
The conflict has already claimed over 60,930 Palestinian lives, including at least 18,430 children, according to Gaza health authorities. Forty-nine Israeli hostages remain in Hamas custody, with 27 believed to be dead.
As Netanyahu faces mounting pressure both domestically and internationally, his next decision could reshape the trajectory of one of the region's most intractable conflicts.
