Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly decided to pursue a full occupation of the Gaza Strip, and his war cabinet is expected to approve expanded military operations across the entire enclave, including areas where Hamas-held hostages are believed to be located.
“THE DIE IS CAST” — NETANYAHU’S RESOLVE
According to multiple Israeli media outlets, a senior official close to Netanyahu stated:
“The die is cast — we are going for a full occupation of the Gaza Strip.”
“There will be operations even in areas where hostages are being held. If the IDF chief of staff doesn’t agree, he should resign.” Channel 12 confirmed this marks a significant shift in Israel’s Gaza strategy, with planned operations extending into densely populated zones, including central refugee camps.
WAR CABINET TO MEET ON NEXT STEPS
Netanyahu is expected to convene his security war cabinet on Tuesday to finalize the expanded military plan. The war now enters its 22nd month, as Israel faces mounting demands to permit humanitarian aid into Gaza amid escalating civilian casualties.
HUMANITARIAN CRISIS AND HOSTAGE RISKS
At least 74 Palestinians, including 36 aid seekers, were killed in Israeli attacks on Monday, underlining the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Critics, including hostage families and former Israeli security officials, warn that a full occupation could endanger the remaining captives. Freed detainees have reportedly shown signs of starvation and received threats if rescue operations occurred.
Senior Hamas official Osama Hamdan placed full blame on Netanyahu’s government for the worsening conditions and alleged escalation of war policies targeting civilians and stalling ceasefire talks.
OPTICS AND GEOPOLITICAL RAMIFICATIONS
Analysts suggest that Trump’s reported “green light” for the operation reflects Washington’s shifting posture toward Israel, even as international actors press for a ceasefire and full humanitarian access.
Meanwhile, prolonged occupation plans are fueling renewed diplomatic urgency to safeguard the two-state solution. International players, including in Europe and Australia, have signalled readiness to push for recognition of Palestinian statehood if substantive peace progress fails.
The Financial Times recently criticized Western inaction amid soaring civilian deaths in Gaza over 60,000 Palestinians killed, including at least 18,430 children according to Gaza authorities—and questioned whether global outrage would match if the crisis occurred in a non-aligned region.
WIDER CONTEXT: LONG-TERM OCCUPATION PLANS
Israel already controls about 75% of Gaza; this new strategy would extend control over the remaining territory. Internal resistance within the Israeli military and senior brass including IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, has surfaced with expressions of concern over the risk and logistics of further escalation. Some officials have even suggested resignation if forced to execute the plan.
The security cabinet had previously approved a framework to maintain indefinite occupation and possibly pursue resettlement-oriented plans—raising fears of forced displacement or even annexation efforts.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Israel’s military strategy is shifting to full Gaza occupation in order to defeat Hamas, secure hostages, and neutralize threats—however critics warn this may intensify violence and crush remaining diplomatic channels.
• The plan faces internal dissent, international condemnation, and heightened concerns over the safety of still-held captives.
• The decision signals deep geopolitical divides, with growing calls for humanitarian intervention and renewed pushes to uphold the two-state framework.