The Israeli government announced plans to take control of Gaza City on Friday morning, marking a significant escalation in its military efforts. This area remains one of the few in the war-torn region that hasn’t been evacuated or designated as a buffer zone by Israel.
This decision comes amid rising international pressure to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza, where reports indicate worsening hunger and malnutrition. Countries like Germany and the UK have expressed strong disapproval of this military move.
In an official statement, the Israeli government emphasized that ending the conflict is key to releasing Israeli hostages. They also proposed establishing an alternative governance structure that wouldn’t be controlled by Hamas or the Palestinian authorities.
This announcement seems to contradict earlier comments made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding a complete takeover of Gaza. Currently, Israel already controls about three-quarters of the territory.
Several international leaders, including UK Prime Minister Kiel Starmer, swiftly criticized the government’s decision, warning that it could lead to further violence. Starmer stated that escalating military actions will not bring an end to the conflict or assist in the release of hostages.
In response, Germany has taken steps to suspend military exports to Gaza, citing the recent decisions made by Netanyahu’s cabinet.
German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz remarked that the intensified military actions by Israeli forces are complicating the situation and making it difficult to achieve any significant objectives.
Moreover, some members of Netanyahu’s cabinet endorse aggressive measures in Gaza. Far-right ministers Itmar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have openly suggested the need to expel Palestinians from the region.
It’s worth noting that Israel maintained control over Gaza until 2005. Recently, Smotrich referenced efforts to reestablish Israeli settlements in the area, which had been dismantled two decades ago.
