UN expresses concern over new Gaza operation plan

Israel’s political-security cabinet has approved a plan to take control of Gaza City. The decision came early Friday morning, just hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel would take full military control over the Gaza Strip — despite growing international and domestic criticism over the nearly two-year-long devastating conflict.

A statement from Netanyahu’s office said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would prepare to take control of Gaza City and provide humanitarian aid to civilians outside the battlefield. Gaza City is the largest city in northern Gaza, and plans to evacuate Palestinian civilians before a possible operation there are under discussion.

In an interview with Fox News, Netanyahu said Israel does not want to govern Gaza but intends to establish a security buffer and later hand over control to Arab countries. However, he did not specify which Arab country would take responsibility or how the governance structure would be arranged.

Earlier, Israeli media reported that the army chief, Ayala Zamer, had opposed proposals to expand the scope of the operation. Netanyahu argued that alternative plans would not be able to defeat Hamas or secure the release of hostages. It is currently estimated that there are around 50 hostages in Gaza, about 20 of whom are still alive.

Hamas has condemned Netanyahu’s plan as a “clear rebellion against dialogue.” The group warned that any force formed to govern Gaza would be regarded as an Israeli occupying power. Arab countries have also stated that any security arrangements in Gaza must be through legitimate Palestinian institutions.

The United Nations described the possible new military operation as “deeply concerning.” Meanwhile, hundreds of people inside Israel gathered in front of Netanyahu’s office demanding a ceasefire and calling to end the war in exchange for the release of hostages.

The Israeli military claims it has already taken control of about 75% of Gaza. However, most of Gaza’s nearly two million residents have been displaced multiple times, and aid agencies warn that Gaza is on the brink of famine.

If Netanyahu’s new plan is implemented, it would effectively reverse Israel’s 2005 decision to withdraw from Gaza — a move that right-wing politicians previously blamed for the rise of Hamas. It remains unclear whether control over Gaza will be short-term or long-term. However, Israel’s position is clear — the war aims to completely defeat Hamas and free all hostages.