Israeli plan to take control of Gaza City

On August 7, 2025, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel intended to take military control of the entire Gaza city. The proposal has ignited worldwide indignation, as global leaders caution about the catastrophic humanitarian repercussions.^[1][2][3][4] On August 8, Israel declared its intention to implement a strategy for managing Gaza City.^[5] The relatives of the Israeli hostages condemned Netanyahu's choice to take control of Gaza.^[6]

Israel's aim

A comprehensive five-point strategy aimed at "defeating Hamas" and "bringing an end to the war" was unveiled in detail on August 8. As stated by the prime minister's office, the security cabinet includes the far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich endorsed the plan to capture Gaza City with a majority vote. The objectives outlined in this plan include disarming Hamas, securing the release of all hostages, demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, assuming security control of the area, and creating "an alternative civilian government that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority."^[7]

In an interview, Netanyahu stated that the objective of the army is to gain control over the entirety of Gaza and establish a security buffer zone within it. After accomplishing this objective, the army intends to free the region from Hamas forces and transfer it to the Arab populace. The interview did not clarify if the army's aim is to achieve complete control of Gaza. It is anticipated that the cabinet will endorse the plan to seize control of Gaza City.^[6]

"The entirety of Gaza is restricted to the western section of Gaza City, thus the occupation of Gaza City does not alter the situation for the residents," stated Palestinian Mahmoud al-Qarashli in an interview with Reuters. Hamas contends that the proposed plan would result in genocide and forced displacement. Presently, the Israeli military governs approximately seventy-five percent of Gaza. The remaining twenty-five percent of Gaza City accommodates 2.1 million inhabitants and remains outside of Israeli authority.^[7]

Reaction

Japan, apprehensive that the humanitarian conditions in Gaza would worsen due to this decision, urged all involved parties to resume negotiations and engage sincerely in efforts to establish a ceasefire, free the hostages, and resolve the critical humanitarian crisis, which includes starvation.^[5]

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized the plan, saying it would lead to further escalation and “further forced displacement, widespread killing and destruction.” He called on Israel to abide by international law.^[1]

Hamas protested this decision, saying that the fate of the hostages did not matter to Israel.^[1]

In light of the recent announcement regarding the plan, Chancellor Friedrich Merz declared that, until further notice, Germany will not export any military equipment to Israel for deployment in the Gaza Strip.^[6]

United States ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, stated that rather than exerting pressure on Israel, nations around the globe should direct their pressure towards Hamas.^[6]

The ambassador of Britain to Israel described the plan as a "huge mistake."^[7]