Israel’s security cabinet has formally approved an as yet undisclosed overall plan. The goal would not just be the elimination of Hamas nor even military control of Gaza City. This tactical intrusion bolsters Israel’s undeniable military superiority. Simultaneously, it seeks to address the urgent humanitarian needs of non-combatant civilians in areas spared from front-line clashes. The cabinet’s decision constitutes a major and blatant widening of the war. Israel today occupies roughly 75% of the Gaza Strip.
The newly approved humanitarian plan shrinks that focus down to just Gaza City. It excludes surrounding refugee camps, stopping just short of a complete conquest of the entire contiguous territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has advocated for full control over all of Gaza, indicating a push for broader military objectives. The blueprint, released last week, details major guiding principles for resolving the unrest. It envisions the Israeli security presence in Gaza controlling security and the creation of a civilian administration with no ties to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
Even as this plan moves into execution, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir has already sounded a siren. He cautions that Gaza’s humanitarian situation may soon become even more dire. He had to remind the cabinet that their actions would have major international repercussions. He stressed the need for a deliberate and measured approach to maintaining civilian protection amid the rapidly deteriorating situation.
The operation will take place in several phases, with a total time frame of up to five months. One of the most important deadlines is coming up on October 7. In this initial phase, we will prioritize the evacuation of Gaza City and ensure more equitable access to humanitarian aid.
In one of the most encouraging parts of the plan, Israel plans to dramatically increase its humanitarian assistance during this first phase. This decision will limit relief operations not only in every region of Gaza, but even within Gaza City. Its stated purpose is to persuade Palestinians to leave the city.
“What we need is a ceasefire, a surge in humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages by Hamas and a negotiated solution.” – Keir Starmer
International leaders, including U.N. Secretary General António Guterres, have voiced deep alarm about Israel’s announced intentions. Allies of Israel, like the United Kingdom and Australia, have been forced to call on Israel to do another type of operation—backpedal, change course, rethink. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer remarked that Israel’s decision to pursue military control is “wrong,” adding that it contradicts the necessities for achieving peace in the region.
Critics of the plan have called their proposal in strong opposition. Mustafa Barghouti condemned it as an act of “the ethnic cleansing of all the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.” Furthermore, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong underscored that “permanent forced displacement is a violation of international law,” highlighting the legal implications of the proposed military actions.
Netanyahu’s administration faces internal dissent as well. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the plan for being “completely contrary to the position of the military and the defense establishment,” noting that it fails to consider the exhaustion and burnout experienced by combat troops engaged in ongoing operations.
Aside from its stated military goals, the plan has detailed plans for imposing a civilian administration into Gaza. The overall aim of this new governance structure would be to supersede Hamas. It does beg the question of why these leadership appointments and how these leaders will inevitably be judged by their new local population.
“They can play no part in the future of Gaza and must leave as well as disarm.” – Keir Starmer
As tensions continue to rise, Israel’s military strategy faces even more intense scrutiny. Those critics include emerging opposition figures within the current government as well as prominent global leaders, who are urging diplomatic solutions in place of escalated and expanded military campaigns. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office has warned that without adjustments to their current strategy, they may “neither achieve the defeat of Hamas nor the return of the hostages,” indicating an acknowledgment of the complexities involved.
