Israeli security cabinet to meet over plan to fully occupy Gaza

Date: August 7, 2025 | Time: 1 hour ago

Israel’s security cabinet is expected to hold an emergency meeting today (Thursday) to discuss a dramatic military plan — the full occupation of the Gaza Strip. The United Nations has issued a strong warning, saying such an operation could lead to “catastrophic consequences.”

According to Israeli media, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sees the plan as the only way to destroy Hamas and rescue the remaining hostages held in Gaza, after ceasefire negotiations collapsed.

However, reports suggest that the head of the Israeli military and some top ministers oppose the plan, warning that it could further endanger both hostages and Palestinian civilians.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly told Netanyahu in a private meeting that a full occupation could trap Israeli soldiers in a prolonged and dangerous mission. Instead, he proposed an alternative strategy: surrounding Hamas strongholds rather than fully invading them.

What does the plan involve?

• Taking full control of Gaza City, the largest urban center in the Strip

• Forcibly relocating over one million residents to the southern areas of Gaza

• Occupying refugee camps in central Gaza and areas suspected of holding hostages

• A second wave of operations weeks later, accompanied by an increase in humanitarian aid

Humanitarian concerns

UN officials and aid agencies have expressed alarm. Gaza is already on the brink of famine, and over 75% of its population has been displaced since the war began. Aid access remains heavily restricted by Israel, which says it is targeting Hamas networks.

A new agency called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) — backed by Israel and the US — has faced heavy criticism from the UN and NGOs. They accuse it of chaotic operations that force starving Palestinians to travel long distances in dangerous conditions.

Over the past two months, hundreds of civilians have reportedly been killed near GHF food distribution sites. Hamas authorities and eyewitnesses have accused Israeli forces, while the IDF claims it only uses warning shots or responds to threats.

International and local reactions

Former US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the decision to take over Gaza is “really up to Israel.” The US has been leading indirect ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, but negotiations collapsed two weeks ago.

Families of hostages held by Hamas are deeply concerned. Many fear that a major Israeli ground operation could provoke militants into executing the captives.

Background of the conflict

The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza. Israel responded with a massive military campaign. As of now, at least 61,158 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry, which is operated by Hamas.

Written by: Maxamed Cawil Jaamac

Journalist & Global Affairs Analyst

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