Israel Cabinet Approves Gaza Occupation Amid Military Exhaustion, Palestinian Condemnation

Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to occupy the Gaza Strip, aiming to defeat Hamas, return hostages, demilitarize Gaza, establish Israeli security control, and set up a civilian administration independent of both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. Despite military concerns about exhaustion and risks to captives, the operation is expected to begin with the takeover of Gaza City, followed by further advances into the enclave, accompanied by humanitarian aid outside combat zones. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz emphasized the determination to achieve these war goals and dismissed international condemnation and sanctions as ineffective. The Palestinian Presidency condemned the Israeli decision as a violation of international law and called on US President Donald Trump and the UN Security Council to intervene, insisting on Palestinian self-determination and statehood with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that while Israel intends to control Gaza for security reasons, the plan is not for long-term governance, with eventual control to be transferred to Arab forces, though details remain unclear. Critics warn that Israel’s move signals a return to open-ended occupation, with deep concerns over the humanitarian impact and the prospect of prolonged conflict.