Israeli Security Cabinet Considering Complete Occupation of Gaza Amid Humanitarian Crisis

As Israel's security cabinet gears up to discuss the potential complete occupation of Gaza, the international community raises alarms about escalating humanitarian crises and the fate of hostages.

Israel’s security cabinet is set to convene today to deliberate on a strategy that entails the full military occupation of Gaza, a territory that has already seen substantial Israeli control since hostilities reignited in October. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly views this as a necessary action to dismantle Hamas and retrieve hostages amidst failed ceasefire negotiations. However, this proposition is met with skepticism and concern from military officials who argue that such an escalatory move could jeopardize the lives of the hostages and exacerbate the suffering of Palestinian civilians.

Miroslav Jenča, a top UN official, conveyed serious apprehensions to the UN Security Council, asserting that a full occupation would contravene international law and act as a catalyst for catastrophic fallout. With approximately 75% of Gaza already under Israeli military oversight, the continued violence has resulted in widespread displacement across the territory, impacting nearly all of its populous residents.

The planned discussion of the security cabinet, scheduled for 18:00 local time today, is expected to consider the dispatch of tens of thousands of additional troops to Gaza for the pursuit of this objective. Israeli media report that the initial focus would be securing Gaza City, which is home to about one million inhabitants. This would likely necessitate relocating many residents while simultaneously seizing control over refugee camps and areas believed to shelter hostages.

In light of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, which is reportedly facing famine conditions, plans are also in motion for the amplification of humanitarian aid efforts, despite previous criticisms of the distribution initiatives led by the Israel- and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). There are grave concerns over the safety of civilians attempting to access food, as multiple casualties have been reported at GHF sites due to their precarious conditions.

Controversially, Netanyahu’s firm decision to pursue this aggressive plan has fomented tensions with military leadership, as there are apprehensions surrounding operational risks, including the potential entrapment of troops in Gaza. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has suggested encircling Hamas strongholds as an alternative, which reportedly reflects the hesitancy among military chiefs.

The hostages' families have expressed deep alarm at the proposed takeover, fearing that it could result in deadly consequences for their loved ones held captive by Hamas. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump indicated that the decisions of Gaza's fate ultimately reside with Israel, as US-mediated ceasefire discussions linger without resolution since they broke down two weeks prior.

The ongoing conflict has inflicted severe losses since its escalation, following Hamas's attack on October 7, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli fatalities, and the subsequent military response that has claimed at least 61,158 Palestinian lives, according to the Gaza health ministry.