JERUSALEM, August 8 – Israel’s security cabinet has given the green light to a contentious plan to seize control of Gaza City, signaling a major step up in the almost two-year-long war. The move has sparked renewed criticism both domestically and internationally, as leaders weigh the implications for hostages still held by militants and the growing humanitarian crisis in the region.
German authorities announced they would suspend the export of military equipment that could be used in Gaza, a decision Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly described as disappointing. Other European nations, including Britain, have urged Israel to reconsider expanding its operations in the enclave.
The debate over the Gaza campaign has also drawn responses from the United States. U.S. ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee argued that certain countries were exerting pressure on Israel instead of addressing the actions of Hamas, the militant group whose attack in 2023 triggered the war.
At home, families of hostages and political opponents have accused the prime minister of risking lives with this decision. Critics say a deeper push into Gaza City could jeopardize efforts to secure the release of captives through negotiation.
Political Divide Over the Decision
The cabinet’s decision reflects the growing influence of far-right members of Netanyahu’s governing coalition, many of whom advocate for a complete takeover of Gaza to eradicate Hamas. However, senior military officials have warned that such operations could endanger hostages and increase military casualties.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned the decision, describing it as a serious error that went against the guidance of top security advisers. He alleged that ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich were pressuring the prime minister into extending the conflict, a course he warned would lead to further loss of life.
In a televised interview, Netanyahu stated that the military aimed to take control of the entire Gaza Strip but maintained that Israel did not seek permanent occupation. He explained that the objective was to create a security zone and later transfer administrative control to Arab forces. The announcement from the prime minister’s office confirmed the intent to seize Gaza City but stopped short of committing to full control of the territory.
Following the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu spoke with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, reiterating that Israel’s goal was to “free Gaza from Hamas” so a peaceful administration could take root. He insisted that Israel had no intention of permanently annexing the area.
Gaza City’s Strategic Significance
Military officials estimate that Israel currently holds around three-quarters of Gaza. Retired brigadier general Amir Avivi suggested that capturing Gaza City could extend that control to roughly 85%. Describing it as “the heart of Gaza,” Avivi noted that the city serves as the political and administrative hub for Hamas, making its fall a potential turning point in the conflict.
The population of Gaza City is estimated at around 900,000, many of whom are displaced residents from northern parts of the strip. The expansion of military operations has prompted desperate questions from civilians caught in the fighting. “Where should we go? Do we throw ourselves in the sea?” asked Maghzouza Saada, a women uprooted from her home in Gaza’s north.
Historically, northern Gaza, including Gaza City, has been the stronghold of Hamas’s most formidable fighting units. Israeli officials say nearly fifty people are still being held in Gaza, and estimates suggest that just about twenty of them may still be alive. Most releases to date have resulted from indirect negotiations rather than military operations, but talks aimed at securing a broader truce collapsed last month.
International criticism of Israel’s decision to push into Gaza City has been swift. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for reconsideration, while Saudi Arabia reiterated that normalization of relations with Israel could not occur without the creation of a Palestinian state.
Huckabee, responding to foreign criticism, questioned why pressure was being directed at Israel instead of Hamas. He also relayed the President Donald Trump’s position that Hamas must be disarmed and removed from power before any lasting peace can be achieved.
Mounting Domestic and Global Pressure
Netanyahu has repeatedly stated that the war will not end until Hamas is fully disarmed. However, recent opinion polls suggest a majority of Israelis favor ending the conflict through a diplomatic agreement that would secure the release of all hostages.
The Hostages Families Forum, which speaks for the families of captives in Gaza, strongly opposed the cabinet’s decision. In a statement, the group said the move amounted to “a march of recklessness” that put the lives of hostages, soldiers, and civilians at greater risk.
Some Israelis, like hotelier Danny Bukovsky from Tel Aviv, expressed deep concern. “I think it’s a death sentence for all the hostages still in Gaza,” Bukovsky said, adding that the timing was wrong for such an operation.
A full occupation of Gaza would mark a reversal of the 2005 withdrawal, when Israel removed its settlers and troops from the territory while maintaining control over its borders, airspace, and essential utilities.