Israel approves plan to seize Gaza City

Editorial take on Israel's security cabinet approval of a plan to seize Gaza City and its humanitarian and diplomatic implications.

Israel approves plan to seize Gaza City

Israel's security cabinet approved a five point plan to disarm Hamas, recover hostages, demilitarise the Gaza Strip, take security control of the territory, and establish an alternative civil administration outside Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. The plan concentrates on Gaza City as the initial target and envisions relocating about one million residents south while opening corridors for humanitarian aid to civilians outside combat zones. A second offensive would follow weeks later, alongside a boost in aid delivery, according to media reports.

Critics warn of harsh consequences for civilians and hostages, and say the move could widen the war and trigger further displacement. The plan has drawn international criticism from allies and the UN while domestically it faces opposition from families of hostages and from parts of the political spectrum. The security cabinet comprises key ministers, including Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezal Smotrich, who oppose ceasefire deals and may influence the government’s stance toward Gaza. Israel says the priority is to disarm Hamas and move toward a new civil administration; critics worry about the legality and humanitarian impact of moving large populations within Gaza.

The decision reflects a hardening stance within Israel’s leadership and signals a willingness to use a more comprehensive takeover strategy. It places political bargaining power in the hands of a coalition that prizes a tough line on Gaza, potentially narrowing room for diplomacy and negotiations. The move also tests the limits of international humanitarian norms as displacement risks rise and aid logistics face strain. While the plan claims to seek humanitarian relief outside combat zones, the practical risks to civilians are high and the long-term governance question remains unresolved.

Highlights

The coming days will test how forces, diplomacy, and aid networks can avert a wider collapse.