Israel Cabinet Approves Gaza City Occupation Plan Amid War

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has secured cabinet approval for a new military strategy focused on capturing Gaza City, aiming to disarm Hamas and establish Israeli security control over the enclave. Despite capturing much of Gaza earlier in the conflict, Hamas remains resilient, and Netanyahu's latest plan involves fully occupying Gaza and eventually transferring governance to Arab forces, a move seen as highly controversial and risky. The operation faces strong objections from within Israel, including from the IDF chief of staff who warns of military fatigue and the dangers of a prolonged occupation that could entangle Israel in an indefinite conflict. Public opposition continues to grow, with frequent protests demanding an end to the war and the release of hostages held by Hamas. The decision to intensify military action risks worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where many civilians are already on the brink of starvation, and experts caution that further incursions may be counterproductive. Overall, Netanyahu's plan reflects a high-stakes gamble that could deepen the conflict without guaranteeing a decisive victory or the safety of hostages.