Israel has announced plans to seize control of Gaza City in a new phase of its 22-month-long war with Hamas, a move likely to worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in the territory.
The decision was made following an overnight meeting of Israel’s Security Cabinet and came despite growing international pressure to end the war and concerns from within Israel over the fate of hostages still held by Hamas.
Israel's military campaign in Gaza has so far killed tens of thousands, displaced the majority of the population, devastated infrastructure, and pushed the region to the brink of famine. A renewed ground offensive in Gaza City could intensify the crisis further.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking to Fox News ahead of the Cabinet meeting, hinted at broader ambitions, saying Israel aimed to take full control of Gaza to eliminate Hamas. However, the final decision approved by the Cabinet focused specifically on Gaza City.
According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli military “will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to civilians outside combat zones.” The move may be aimed at forcing Hamas into accepting ceasefire terms, though it could also reflect military reservations.
Reports indicate that Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, cautioned against a full occupation, warning it could endanger the remaining hostages and further strain Israeli forces already stretched by nearly two years of regional conflict.
Gaza City under renewed threat
Gaza City remains one of the few areas not declared an evacuation zone or converted into an Israeli buffer zone. While hundreds of thousands fled the city early in the war, many returned during a brief ceasefire earlier this year. A major offensive now could displace thousands more and hinder aid distribution.
At least 42 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes and shootings on Thursday, according to local hospitals.
“There is nothing left to occupy,” said Maysaa al-Heila, a displaced resident. “There is no Gaza left.”
Netanyahu: Israel wants control, not permanent occupation
In his Fox News interview, Netanyahu said Israel’s goal was to ensure security by removing Hamas. “We don’t want to keep it,” he added, indicating a preference to hand over control to Arab forces capable of governing without posing a threat to Israel.
Internal opposition to the escalation continues to grow. Families of hostages staged a protest at sea on Thursday, sailing toward the maritime border with Gaza and broadcasting pleas for their loved ones’ release.
Yehuda Cohen, whose son is being held in Gaza, accused Netanyahu of prolonging the war to appease extremist elements in his coalition who advocate reoccupying Gaza and relocating its population.
Rising death toll as Palestinians seek food
Gaza’s Health Ministry, run by Hamas, reported over 61,000 Palestinian deaths since the war began, with Thursday’s toll including 13 people killed while attempting to access aid in an Israeli-controlled area in southern Gaza.
Two more deaths were reported on roads leading to food distribution centers operated by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Nasser Hospital confirmed the casualties, though GHF denied any violence near its sites.
Access to food has become deadly in many parts of Gaza, with numerous reports of civilians killed while approaching U.N. and GHF convoys. The Israeli military has been accused of opening fire on desperate crowds, though it claims only warning shots have been used.
MSF condemns GHF aid operations
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) issued a damning report accusing GHF of dangerous mismanagement, calling its food distribution model “orchestrated killing.”
The group documented 1,380 injuries and 28 deaths between June 7 and July 20 near GHF sites, including gunshot wounds and injuries from pepper spray. At least 147 people treated had gunshot wounds — 41 of them children.
MSF accused GHF of creating deadly chaos at distribution points and called for accountability. GHF rejected the allegations as “false and disgraceful,” accusing MSF of echoing a disinformation campaign by Hamas.
GHF was established by the U.S. and Israel as an alternative to U.N. aid delivery, which they claim is vulnerable to Hamas interference. The U.N. has denied those claims and accused GHF of endangering civilians and enabling further displacement.
Source: Agency