Israel Plans Military Control of Gaza City to Disarm Hamas

Jerusalem, Aug 8 (PTI) – Israel's Security Cabinet has approved a plan by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to assume military control of Gaza City, a strategic move intended to "disarm" Hamas. This decision has amplified concerns of intensifying conflict in the territory, which has been embroiled in war for nearly two years.

Amid large-scale anti-government demonstrations across Israel, calling for an immediate cessation of the war and the return of over 50 hostages held by Hamas for 22 months, the decision to take control of Gaza City remains contentious. The statement from Netanyahu's office highlighted that a significant majority of the Security Cabinet ministers felt the alternative plan to resolve the crisis would neither result in Hamas' defeat nor facilitate the hostages' return.

Details of the alternative proposal remain undisclosed. However, the Security Cabinet’s plan revolves around five main principles: disarming Hamas, ensuring the hostages' return, demilitarizing Gaza, establishing Israeli security oversight in Gaza, and setting up a civil administration that excludes both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been instructed to prepare for the military control of Gaza City, while also planning to aid civilians caught outside combat zones with humanitarian assistance. However, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Chief of Staff of the Israeli Armed Forces, has warned that full military takeover of Gaza City could be a "trap."

The conflict began following an attack by Hamas on Israeli cities on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties and the capture of 251 hostages by Hamas. To date, at least 50 hostages remain in captivity. In retaliation, Israeli military actions have resulted in over 60,000 Palestinian deaths, according to statistics from Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.

The war has precipitated a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, characterized by acute shortages of food and medicine. Recent statements from the World Health Organization indicate a rise in malnutrition rates in Gaza to "alarming levels."

In advance of the Security Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu assured visiting Indian journalists that Israel harbors no intention to annex or occupy Gaza, seeking instead to dismantle Hamas and transfer governance to a transitional administration. He also expressed a desire for Israel to assume control over Gaza's security apparatus.

When questioned about the ongoing food crisis, Netanyahu clarified that although over two million tonnes of food were sent to Israel, the supplies had been 'interdicted.' He reiterated, "Our plan is not to occupy or annex Gaza. Our goal is to destroy Hamas, retrieve our hostages, and then hand over control to a transitional government."

This decision by the Israeli Security Cabinet has elicited strong reactions from families of the hostages, who fear that military control of Gaza City might further hinder the release of their loved ones. Hostage families continue to demand an immediate end to the war.

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