Israel’s security cabinet has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal to occupy Gaza City, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) announced, according to The Times of Israel.
The PMO stated that Israel will facilitate humanitarian aid to civilians outside combat zones as part of the broader strategy to “defeat Hamas.” The cabinet also adopted five key principles as preconditions for ending the conflict:
- Complete disarmament of Hamas.
- Return of all 50 remaining hostages, including 20 believed to be alive.
- Full demilitarization of the Gaza Strip.
- Continued Israeli security control over the territory.
- Establishment of an alternative civilian government unaffiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
According to the PMO, a majority of ministers rejected an alternative plan presented to the security cabinet, concluding it would not ensure Hamas’ defeat or secure the release of hostages. While details of this alternative were not disclosed, it is believed to be linked to IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir’s proposal, which opposed a full occupation of Gaza over fears of humanitarian catastrophe and risks to hostage lives.
Notably, the official statement focused solely on Gaza City, omitting Netanyahu’s earlier declaration about occupying the entire Gaza Strip. Gaza City remains among the 25 per cent of the territory not yet under Israeli control, alongside several central Gaza refugee camps. It remains unclear whether these remaining areas will also be targeted under the approved plan.