Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Monday that a decision has been made for the full occupation of the Gaza Strip, including military operations in areas where hostages are believed to be held. "We're committing to free Gaza from the tyranny of these terrorists," Netanyahu said in a video address posted on X.

 

"Many Gazans come to us and they say 'Help us be free. Help us be free of Hamas.' and that's what we will do."

 

The Prime Minister's Office also said in a message to the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, "If this does not suit you, then you should resign."

 

Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu says decision made for full occupation of Gaza

Wave the white flag, release the hostages or die. Easy solution.

Next it will be annexed, followed by the West Bank.

Israel announced plans Tuesday to reopen some private sector trade with Gaza, approving a limited number of merchants under strict security checks.

 

The move came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to present an updated war strategy that could include re-occupying parts of the territory.

 

Live: Israel to partially reopen Gaza private sector trade as Netanyahu prepares updated war plan

 

Capturing Gaza City and the refugee districts in the central part of the coastal strip could result in heavy losses for the army, endanger the lives of the hostages, and further worsen the desperate situation of the Palestinian civilian population, the military leadership and the opposition have said.

 

Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly supports an alternative approach, advocating for blockades of the remaining areas in the Gaza Strip, combined with raids and airstrikes targeting the remaining fighters from Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

 

It remains unclear whether a final decision on the matter will be made on Thursday evening. Additionally, it is uncertain whether a complete capture of the Gaza Strip would lead to the implementation of demands by far-right ministers in Israel, who are calling for the resettlement of the area and the expulsion of the Palestinian population.

 

Israeli media says army would need six months to capture all of Gaza

 

Starmer denounces Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City

 

The Green party has also called for the end of all arms sales to Israel. Ellie Chowns, the Green MP and a candidate to be co-leader in the current leadership contest, posted this on social media.

 

John Swinney, Scotland’s first minister, says Israel’s decision to occupy Gaza City is “completely and utterly unacceptable”. In a message on social media, the SNP leader said:

The decision of the Israeli government to seize control of Gaza City is completely and utterly unacceptable. It will create even more human suffering for the Palestinian people and further escalate the conflict. The international community must stop Israel and secure a ceasefire.

 

Ed Davey urges Starmer to end all arms sales to Israel, and place entire Israeli cabinet under sanctions, after Gaza City takeover decision

 

Vance to arrive in UK for Lammy meeting as Starmer denounces Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City – UK politics live

 

On 8/5/2025 at 9:06 AM, stevenl said:

Next it will be annexed, followed by the West Bank.

Yes, that's pretty clear isn't it - and annexation of both was probably always the plan - long before the surprise attack by Hamas. By the way, why is this section called 'The War in Israel'? What war is happening in Israel?

18 minutes ago, ronnie50 said:

Yes, that's pretty clear isn't it - and annexation of both was probably always the plan - long before the surprise attack by Hamas. By the way, why is this section called 'The War in Israel'? What war is happening in Israel?

 

   The war began in Israel on Oct 7 th 2023 when Palestine forces invaded Israel and attempted a genocide and committed war crimes , mass murder and rapes and numerous  other atrocities 

 

Israel has stepped up bombing Gaza, killing at least 89 Palestinians in 24 hours, including at least 15 people queueing for food, despite global outcry over the deaths of six journalists in the territory the previous day.

 

Gaza’s civil defence agency said Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City had intensified in the three days after Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved plans to expand the war in the territory.

 

Late on Tuesday, Netanyahu again raised the prospect that Palestinians would leave the Gaza Strip, telling Israeli broadcaster i24NEWS that “we are not pushing them out, but we are allowing them to leave”.

 

Israel intensifies bombing of Gaza, killing 89 Palestinians in 24 hours