Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to occupy the Gaza Strip, according to local media reports on Friday.
The operation is set to begin with the conquest of Gaza City, with the aim of clearing it of its approximately one million Palestinian residents.
While the official statement referred to the move as a “takeover”, Israeli news outlet Ynet reported that the term “occupy” was deliberately avoided to sidestep the legal obligations associated with formal occupation under international law.
A senior Israeli official told local media that the word choice was for official purposes only, confirming that the actual intention is to occupy the Gaza Strip.
The prime minister’s office said that the military will distribute “humanitarian assistance to the civilian population outside the combat zones”.
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The office outlined five core principles for ending the war: the dismantling of Hamas, the return of hostages, the demilitarisation of Gaza, Israeli security control over the territory, and the establishment of a civil administration not affiliated with either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
An Israeli official told Axios that the plan aims to empty Gaza City of civilians within two months. A siege would then be imposed on the city, targeting Hamas members, followed by a ground operation.
According to NBC News, recent satellite imagery has shown a significant Israeli military build-up near the Gaza boundary, indicating preparations for a potential new ground offensive.
Amid reports of the occupation plan, Hamas said on Thursday the move proves Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not interesting in freeing the captives and reaching a deal.
“Any expansion of aggression against our Palestinian people will not be a walk in the park and will come at a heavy cost to the occupation,” the Palestinian movement said.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday said Israel’s decision was “wrong” and urged to reconsider.
The UN asked Israel to immediately halt the plan.
Israeli troops have launched several ground assaults in Gaza City since the war began on 7 October.
Israel has killed over 61,000 Palestinians, including 18,000 children, in the war.
