Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday, August 7, that Israel intends to “take control of the whole Gaza Strip”. In an interview with Fox News, he clarified that this takeover would be above all military, without intention to go directly to the territory.
The objective displayed: to establish a secure area before entrusting the administration to civilian “Arab forces”, not affiliated neither in Hamas nor to the Palestinian authority.
A few hours after this declaration, the Israeli security firm approved an operational plan aiming, initially, the takeover of the city of Gaza. This first step includes the distribution of humanitarian aid to displaced civilians, outside the combat areas.
The plan adopted sets five objectives to “conclude the war”:
- Eliminate Hamas’ military capabilities.
- Release all hostages, alive or dead.
- Demilitrate the Gaza strip.
- Provide Israeli security control.
- Set up an alternative civil administration.
The announcement immediately sparked a wave of criticism. Hostage families, NGOs and several military officials, including chief of staff Eyal Zamir, warned against risks: aggravation of the humanitarian crisis, dangers for hostages, and increased diplomatic isolation.
Hamas qualified this “blow” decision serving the personal interests of Netanyahu, accused of sacrificing hostages. Several Arab states, including Jordan, have rejected any administration of Gaza imposed from the outside, claiming that only a Palestinian power from the inhabitants of the territory could be legitimate.
This political and military escalation, in an already explosive context, could mark a decisive turning point in the conflict, while opening a new diplomatic front for Israel.
