Israel announced plans to escalate its 22-month war against Hamas by gradually taking control of Gaza City, raising serious concerns for Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages still trapped in the region. The announcement has also renewed international calls to end the ongoing conflict.
The war, marked by heavy Israeli airstrikes and ground assaults, has left tens of thousands dead, displaced the majority of Gaza's population, and brought the area close to famine. While no start date has been confirmed for this new ground offensive, it is expected to involve tens of thousands of troops and could worsen Gaza’s dire humanitarian situation.
An official familiar with the plan, speaking anonymously, described the takeover as “gradual.” In response, the U.N. Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting on Sunday morning to address Israel’s intentions, after postponing an earlier session originally set for Saturday afternoon.
Meanwhile, mediators from Egypt and Qatar are working on a new deal to end the war. Their proposal reportedly includes the release of all hostages — both alive and dead — in exchange for a ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Before approving the Gaza City plan, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News that Israel aims to fully control the entire Gaza Strip. Currently, Israeli forces already hold about 75% of the territory.
Hamas rejected Israel’s expansion plans, warning that any increased aggression would not be met passively.
International criticism of Israel’s war strategy is growing. Countries such as France, Britain, Canada, and now Germany — which announced it would suspend arms exports that could be used in Gaza — are voicing concerns over the humanitarian toll, especially in light of recent media coverage highlighting starvation.
Military analysts suggest that Israel’s plan could be aimed at pressuring Hamas into accepting a ceasefire under Israeli terms. However, Israel’s own military leadership has expressed concerns that expanding operations could endanger the roughly 20 remaining hostages believed to still be alive and overextend the army, which has been active in regional conflicts for nearly two years.
Following a Security Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu’s office confirmed the military would prepare to take Gaza City while attempting to provide humanitarian aid outside active combat zones.
Retired Brigadier General Amir Avivi estimates it would take up to three months to mobilize around 30,000 troops, evacuate civilians, and seize control of Gaza City.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and abducting 251. Most hostages have since been released, but 50 remain in Gaza. Israel believes roughly 20 are still alive. Gaza’s Health Ministry — which is run by Hamas but staffed by medical professionals — says over 61,000 Palestinians have died. While Israel disputes these figures, it has not provided its own casualty count.
Fresh Push for Ceasefire
Arab Gulf nations are backing the latest mediation effort, fearing further regional instability if Israel reoccupies Gaza. Two officials involved in the talks said the proposal includes Hamas disarming or at least not using its weapons, as well as the group ceding control of Gaza.
A temporary Palestinian-Arab committee would oversee Gaza and begin reconstruction until a new Palestinian governing body and police force — trained by U.S. allies — could take over. The role of the Western-backed Palestinian Authority remains uncertain.
The U.S. has been briefed on the proposal, although a Hamas official said the group has not yet received the latest details.
Public Pressure for Peace Grows
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff recently told hostage families that Israel is now pursuing an “all-or-nothing” deal aimed at both ending the war and bringing all hostages home. While Israelis were initially united behind the war effort, public frustration has grown, especially among hostage families who have staged large protests demanding a ceasefire.
“All of Israel wants a comprehensive deal and an end to the war,” said Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is still held hostage. “To ensure our safety, this injustice must end.”
Gaza City in Ruins
Despite repeated Israeli strikes and raids, Gaza City remains one of the few areas not fully evacuated or turned into a buffer zone. Residents like Umm Youssef, who recently returned after 16 months, describe total devastation: “The area is all rubble — actually, just sand. There’s nothing left to occupy. No life.”
A renewed ground offensive could displace tens of thousands more people and further hinder aid delivery. On Friday, at least six Palestinians were reportedly killed and over 140 wounded by Israeli gunfire at the Zikim Crossing in northern Gaza, where U.N. aid enters. Israel has not yet commented on the incident.
It's unclear how many people still remain in Gaza City. While many fled earlier in the war, some returned during a ceasefire earlier this year.