Israel Approves Gaza City Takeover Plan Despite Global Backlash

Israel’s security cabinet has approved a controversial plan to take military control of Gaza City, marking one of the most aggressive steps in the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Prime Minister Netanyahu says the goal is not to permanently occupy Gaza, but to dismantle Hamas and install a new, non-hostile civil administration.

The plan includes a ground offensive into Gaza City and calls for the mass evacuation of civilians to central Gaza. Israeli officials say humanitarian aid will be provided to those displaced, but human rights groups warn that the crisis in Gaza is already on the brink of catastrophe.

Netanyahu outlined five goals: eliminate Hamas rule, recover hostages, demilitarize Gaza, keep Israeli security oversight, and eventually transition to a new Arab-led government. However, military leaders within Israel have raised serious concerns. Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and others warn the plan could put troops and hostages at greater risk and drag Israel into a prolonged war.

The move has drawn fierce international criticism. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it “wrong” and warned that occupying Gaza City would only deepen the suffering. Australia and other allies echoed the concern, saying this could make peace even harder to achieve.

Inside Israel, opposition leaders like Yair Lapid are calling it a “disaster” in the making. Many believe there’s no clear plan for what comes next after the fighting. Meanwhile, over 1.7 million Gazans already face severe shortages of food, water, and shelter.

Despite the backlash, Netanyahu remains firm. He insists that this is the only way to ensure long-term security and bring the war to a close.

Whether this move leads to peace or more chaos remains to be seen—but the world is watching closely.