Netanyahu says Israel will control, not rule Gaza

Israel Plans to Take Full Control of Gaza, but Won’t Govern It

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News that Israel intends to take over the entire Gaza Strip after 22 months of fighting against Hamas, but the government will not administer the territory. Instead, the cabinet aims to create a security perimeter and hand governance to Arab forces that can provide a stable life for Gazans.

Meeting in the Security Cabinet

• The security cabinet convened on Thursday to discuss the expanded offensive, which will involve operations in densely populated areas where hostages are believed to be held.
• Netanyahu expects cabinet approval for moving the army into those zones.
• Hundreds rallied near the prime minister’s office in Jerusalem, demanding a deal to release the remaining hostages.

Hostage Situation

Out of 251 hostages captured during Hamas’s October 2023 attack, 49 remain in Gaza, including 27 that the military reports are dead.

Military Chief’s Opposition

Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasised that the Chief of Staff must express his position. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, however, opposed plans to fully reoccupy Gaza and vowed to continue expressing his stance “without fear.”

Ground Operations and Destruction

Ahmad Salem, 45, warned that ground operations would bring more destruction and death, stating that if Israel expands its ground operations again, “we’ll be the first victims.”

International Concerns

• The UN warned that famine is unfolding in Gaza, with at least 99 people dying from malnutrition so far this year.
• Mahmoud Wafi, a displaced Gazan, cited high food prices and unreliable supplies, demanding normal quantities at reasonable costs.
• Amjad Al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGO Network, explained that lengthy inspection procedures limit aid trucks to 70‑80 per day, whereas Gaza needs at least 600 trucks of aid daily.

Recent Strikes

Gaza’s civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal reported that at least 35 people were killed in air strikes across multiple areas of Gaza on Thursday.