Israeli Security Cabinet Greenlights Netanyahu's Gaza Takeover Plan

In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet has approved a contentious plan to militarily take over Gaza City, marking a potential shift towards full occupation of the Palestinian enclave.

The decision, confirmed late on Thursday (7 August) by Netanyahu's office, comes amid mounting international warnings and domestic protests, as the war nears its two-year mark since the 7 October 2023 Hamas terror attacks.

According to reports from the BBC and The Times of Israel, the cabinet's approval paves the way for the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) to seize control of northern Gaza City, with Netanyahu stating Israel intends to occupy the entire strip before handing governance to "friendly Arab forces" instead of Hamas.

"We will provide humanitarian aid to civilians," Netanyahu's office assured, but the United Nations has decried the move, with a top official warning of "catastrophic consequences" for Gaza's 2.3 million residents, already reeling from famine and displacement.

Hamas responded fiercely, accusing Netanyahu of willingness to "sacrifice" the remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Families of the captives staged protests outside the cabinet meeting, as highlighted by The Guardian, chanting against the plan's risks.

Meanwhile, IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly opposed the full takeover, citing dangers to troops and hostages, per DW and local media.

The decision could have economic repercussions for other countries in Asia as experts predict disruptions to Red Sea shipping, potentially hiking oil prices by 10-15 per cent and affecting New Delhi's imports.

The plan also exacerbates Gaza's humanitarian crisis, with over 40,000 Palestinian deaths reported since 2023, per UN statistics.

Analysts foresee prolonged conflict, possibly extending into 2026, unless diplomatic interventions prevail.

Netanyahu defended the strategy in a Fox News interview, vowing to eliminate Hamas threats permanently.