Israeli Occupation Of Gaza: ‘Free Gaza From Tyranny Of Hamas’ – What Is Netanyahu Planning

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is learnt to be preparing to announce a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip, including operations in areas where hostages are believed to be held. The Prime Minister’s Office conveyed the message to the Chief of Staff, “If this does not suit you, then you should resign.”

The Israeli Prime Minister’s plan to fully occupy Gaza comes just a few days after several countries voiced their concerns over the deteriorating situation in Gaza as pictures of staved, malnourished children go viral over social media. France, Canada, and a few more nations even shared that they plan to recognise a Palestinian state.

Israel and Gaza have been engaged in a devastating war since October 7, 2023, with all the international calls for a ceasefire being rejected. In this deadly offensive, the Israeli army has killed over 61,000 Palestinians, almost half of them women and children. Now, PM Netanyahu has announced the full occupation of Gaza.

Israeli Occupation Of Gaza: What is Netanyahu planning?

According to a report in The Jerusalem Post, Israeli PM Netanyahu is expected to convene a high-level meeting focused on Gaza and a potential hostage agreement, with sources indicating that “the Prime Minister is considering all available options regarding the next steps.”

The Israeli official further stated that Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy to US President Donald Trump, has returned to the United States to confer with the President, noting that there is “broad consensus that any deal must encompass all hostages.”

Separately, in another media briefing, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday asserted that Israel must undertake “all necessary actions” to defeat Hamas, adding he would present Netanyahu with a revised plan to achieve that goal. “The defeat of Hamas in Gaza, alongside the creation of conditions for the hostages’ return, remains the principal objective of the war in Gaza,” Katz said during a visit to a military position within Gaza.

What is Israel’s revised strategy for reoccupation of Gaza?

According to Channel 12 and The Jerusalem Post, the “revised strategy” under consideration entails re-occupying the entirety of Gaza, including districts of Gaza City where hostages are presumed to be held. This plan will be approved by the Israeli Cabinet.

However, no official confirmation has yet been issued.

Meanwhile, in a video posted by Netanyahu on his X handle on Monday night, the Israeli PM is heard saying, “We’re committed to free Gaza from the tyranny of these terrorists.” We are talking to our American friends about further steps to alleviate any possibility of hunger or the appearance of hunger.

“We are committed to doing this, just as we’re committed to free Gaza from the tyranny of these terrorists (Hamas),” he added.

How Palestine reacted to Netanyahu’s announcement?

The Palestinian Authority’s Foreign Ministry has condemned what it described as a “leaked” re-occupation proposal and has urged the international community to intervene and prevent a renewed military occupation.

Netanyahu is facing intensified international calls to permit greater humanitarian assistance into Gaza and to bring hostilities to an end, amid rising Palestinian casualties attributed to malnutrition and ongoing Israeli strikes. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.