The Israeli Security Cabinet has approved a proposal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the assumption of control over the city of Gaza.
According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office on Friday, the decision was made despite cautions from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that the operation could endanger the remaining hostages and potentially trigger a humanitarian catastrophe. The announcement did not specify a complete takeover of the entire Gaza Strip.
The Cabinet overwhelmingly approved “five principles to conclude the war” which include the disarmament of Hamas, the return of all hostages and the establishment of an alternative civilian administration in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu stated that the IDF is preparing to gain control of Gaza City while simultaneously ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians affected by severe food insecurity outside of combat zones.
A senior Israeli official indicated that the civilian population of Gaza City would be encouraged to evacuate southward before the IDF establishes a siege around the city and expands its ground offensive. Approximately 800,000 people reside in Gaza City, many of whom have already been displaced within the Gaza Strip multiple times during the course of the conflict.
