Israel's Security Cabinet has approved a plan to occupy Gaza City, according to a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. This decision, made early Friday, represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The plan aims to establish Israeli security control over the entire Gaza Strip.

The approval follows months of unsuccessful ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with both sides accusing each other of violations. The situation has drawn increased international scrutiny, especially after Hamas released videos showing malnourished Israeli hostages, which the group attributed to Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid.

Netanyahu stated that the cabinet's decision aligns with three primary objectives: defeating Hamas, securing the return of hostages, and ensuring that Gaza does not pose a future threat to Israel. "The IDF will prepare for taking control of Gaza City while distributing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population outside the combat zones," his office said.

The Security Cabinet adopted five principles for concluding the war, which include disarming Hamas, ensuring the return of all hostages, demilitarizing Gaza, establishing Israeli security control, and creating a civil administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority.

In a recent interview, Netanyahu confirmed Israel's intention to take full military control of Gaza, stating, "We intend to. We want to remove Hamas and allow for new leadership that is not Hamas and not anyone advocating the destruction of Israel." He emphasized that the goal is not permanent occupation but rather to create a security perimeter and transfer governance to Arab forces.

Despite Netanyahu's assertions, there is significant opposition to the plan, both domestically and internationally. Protests erupted across Israel as families of hostages expressed their fears that escalating military operations would endanger their loved ones. Yehuda Cohen, whose son is among the hostages, criticized the government's approach, saying, "Netanyahu is working against the hostages."

The proposed military operation could displace approximately one million Palestinians in Gaza City and surrounding areas. An Israeli official indicated that the military would establish compounds to accommodate the influx of displaced individuals. Additionally, Israel and the U.S. plan to increase the number of humanitarian aid distribution sites in Gaza.

The Israeli military currently controls about 75% of Gaza, following nearly two years of conflict that has resulted in significant destruction and a humanitarian crisis. The expanded military operation aims to encircle and potentially enter the remaining areas outside Israeli control to dismantle Hamas.

However, the chief of the Israel Defense Forces, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, has warned that a full takeover could jeopardize the safety of remaining hostages and trap Israeli forces within Gaza. He stated, "The culture of debate is an inseparable part of the history of the Jewish people. We will continue to express our position without fear."

As the cabinet meeting concluded, protests continued in various Israeli cities, with families of hostages demanding a comprehensive plan for their return. The situation remains fluid, with updates expected as the military prepares for the next phase of operations.