Palestinians check the destroyed Al Jazeera tent at Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Palestine, on August 11, 2025, following an overnight strike by the Israeli military.Image: Majdi Fathi / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP
Israel’s security cabinet has greenlit a controversial move to seize Gaza City, igniting fierce global debate and raising urgent questions about the future of Gaza, regional stability, and the human cost of this escalating conflict.
For nearly two years, Gaza has been caught in a relentless cycle of conflict, siege, and suffering. Now, Israel’s recent approval of a plan to take full control of Gaza City signals a significant escalation — a move that has stirred alarm from world leaders, international organizations, and even within Israel’s own military ranks. But what does this mean in practical terms, how did we get here, and where might this path lead?
The Plan in Focus: What Israel Intends to Do
Last Friday, Israel’s security cabinet authorized the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to “prepare for taking control of Gaza City.” This marks a tactical shift — a narrowing of focus to Gaza City specifically, rather than the entire Gaza Strip, though experts warn this could be a first step towards broader control.
According to statements from the Prime Minister’s office, this plan supports five key principles intended to end the ongoing war:
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Disarm Hamas – Israel’s central security aim remains dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities.
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Return of All Hostages – Both living and deceased hostages held by Hamas must be freed.
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Demilitarisation of Gaza Strip – The Strip is to be stripped of armed groups.
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Israeli Security Control – Israel plans to exert direct security authority over Gaza.
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Alternative Civilian Administration – A civilian government is to be established, distinct from Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
The IDF has promised humanitarian aid to civilians “outside the combat zones,” though it remains uncertain whether new aid routes will be opened or existing blockades will continue.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously expressed ambitions for controlling the entire Gaza Strip, but this recent plan restricts the immediate objective to Gaza City. According to Israeli media reports, internal military debates played a role: the army’s chief of staff reportedly opposed a full Gaza takeover, favoring a more measured approach.
Yet many analysts view Gaza City’s occupation as potentially the first phase in a longer campaign. Some speculate that Israel’s announcement might also serve as leverage to pressure Hamas amid stalled ceasefire negotiations.
Netanyahu has said publicly he does not want to govern Gaza indefinitely but aims to establish a “security perimeter,” eventually handing control to unspecified “Arab forces.” This statement remains ambiguous — with regional neighbors like Jordan and Egypt wary of taking on Gaza’s administration under Israeli occupation conditions.
No firm timetable for the takeover has been announced, but reports suggest the military advance will wait until residents evacuate key areas.
The Human Cost and Global Backlash
The announcement has unleashed a storm of condemnation worldwide.
Hamas denounced the plan as a “new war crime,” vowing fierce resistance and warning of severe consequences. The group accused Netanyahu’s government of callously disregarding hostages’ lives and described the escalation as a reckless gamble that will cost Israel dearly.
Across the globe, leaders and human rights groups echoed these concerns:
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UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the escalation as “wrong” and predicted it would cause “more bloodshed.”
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German Chancellor Friedrich Merz halted military exports to Israel, questioning how the plan fits with legitimate goals.
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UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk cautioned that further escalation would cause “massive forced displacement,” “unbearable suffering,” and “atrocity crimes,” urging an immediate end to the conflict.
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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the plan as a “fully-fledged crime.”
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Turkey’s Foreign Ministry accused Israel of seeking to forcibly displace Palestinians.
The United States took a more reserved stance. Then-President Donald Trump remarked that Israel had discretion over its occupation plans, while the US Ambassador to Israel declared it was not America’s role to dictate Israel’s actions.
Gaza’s Dire Situation: Context and Consequences
Gaza City, home to nearly two million people, has endured near-constant conflict for years, with the humanitarian situation worsening sharply under blockade conditions. Access to food, water, medical supplies, and electricity is limited, and recent attacks have driven thousands to flee homes.
The death toll has mounted, with civilians bearing the brunt. Journalists reporting from Gaza have also been killed in targeted strikes, restricting independent coverage of unfolding events.
Experts warn that an Israeli takeover of Gaza City would likely involve intensive urban warfare, with severe civilian harm inevitable. The densely packed population and damaged infrastructure complicate any military operation, raising fears of a humanitarian catastrophe.
What Experts Say: The Complex Psychology of Occupation
The psychology behind occupation and prolonged conflict is deeply complex:
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Security vs. Control: For Israel, controlling Gaza City is seen as a way to neutralize Hamas threats directly. Yet occupation risks fueling further resentment and insurgency, creating a vicious cycle.
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Negotiation Leverage: Israel may also be signaling strength to force Hamas into negotiations, using the threat of occupation as a bargaining chip.
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International Pressure: Global condemnation could sway Israel’s approach, but entrenched positions on both sides make diplomatic breakthroughs difficult.
Dr. Lina Abu-Awwad, a Palestinian psychologist, notes that occupation often leads to collective trauma, “affecting generations and entrenching hopelessness.” She cautions that political decisions must consider the psychological scars of conflict, not just tactical gains.
What Comes Next? Practical and Political Implications
If the plan proceeds, Gaza City’s residents will likely face evacuation orders and restricted movement. The international community must prepare for increased humanitarian needs, including aid corridors and medical relief.
Politically, the move risks destabilizing an already volatile region:
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Regional Relations: Neighboring countries may resist taking on Gaza’s administration or hosting displaced Palestinians.
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Israeli Domestic Politics: Opposition within Israel, including military leadership, could complicate implementation.
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Hamas’s Response: Intensified armed resistance could trigger wider conflict.
What Can the International Community Do?
The world faces a daunting challenge balancing security concerns with urgent humanitarian needs. Experts suggest:
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Facilitating Ceasefire Talks: Renewed diplomatic efforts are critical to prevent further bloodshed.
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Ensuring Humanitarian Access: Opening safe passages for food, medicine, and aid workers can alleviate suffering.
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Supporting Refugees and Displaced Persons: Regional cooperation and international funding are essential.
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Monitoring Human Rights: International bodies must document violations to hold perpetrators accountable.
Closing Thoughts: Understanding the Stakes
Israel’s plan to take over Gaza City is more than a military maneuver — it is a moment laden with deep political, humanitarian, and psychological consequences. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the future of Gaza, impact regional stability, and influence global perceptions of justice and peace in one of the world’s most protracted conflicts.
As civilians brace for uncertainty, the international community must watch closely, act decisively, and remember the human faces behind the headlines.
Sources:
iol.co.za - What you need to know about Israel's plan to take over Gaza City
BBC - Netanyahu’s Gaza plans: What we know
UN Human Rights - Gaza conflict updates
Reuters - Global leaders respond to Gaza escalation
Al Jazeera - Inside Gaza: What occupation means for residents
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