Israeli media on August 4 (local time) said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had expressed his intention to seek cabinet support for the plan to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, despite concerns from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that this could threaten the lives of hostages being held by Hamas.
According to RT, Israel controlled Gaza for 38 years, from 1967 to 2005, before withdrawing troops and letting it be managed by the Palestinian government. In 2006, Hamas gained control of Gaza.
According to sources, Mr. Netanyahu repeatedly used the phrase "accapturing the Gaza Strip" in his private conversation, expressing his view on expanding the military campaign. A close official was quoted as saying: The decision has been made - we will occupy the entire Gaza Strip... Even in places with hostages. If the IDF Chief of Staff does not agree, he should resign.
The IDF now claims to control about 75% of Gaza. The new plan would require the military to control the entire area, including unocquered areas. However, the military is concerned that this could take years to destroy entire Hamas infrastructure, while increasing the risk of hostages being murdered.
The Israel-Hamas conflict broke out in October 2023 when Hamas suddenly attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. To date, about 50 hostages have not been returned, with less than half believed to be alive. The Israeli counterattacks have caused serious damage in Gaza, with an estimated 60,000 people killed.
