Benjamin Netanyahu has unveiled a contentious plan to take control of Gaza City, claiming it as the "best way to end the war" in the Middle East. Despite fierce condemnation from many of Israel's allies, the Israeli Prime Minister is resolute in his approach to bring the entire Gaza Strip under his government’s dominion.

Netanyahu declares that Israel already controls approximately 75% of the enclave, targeting remaining strongholds: Gaza City and central camps, where Hamas militants are believed to hold sway. He insists that the objective is not occupation but "liberating" Gaza on a "fairly short timeline," focusing on demilitarisation, Israeli military's overarching security control, and a non-Israeli civilian administration taking charge.

 

Additionally, he proposes creating a "security zone" at Gaza’s border to prevent future incursions, referring to the devastating Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. In a marked shift, Netanyahu has instructed the Israeli military to allow more foreign journalists into Gaza, marking a significant change as access has been highly restricted.

 

Blaming Hamas for Gaza’s miseries, including civilian casualties and aid shortages, Netanyahu defends Israel’s military actions by stressing their unique aid facilitation into enemy territory, dismissing claims of a starvation policy. Yet, since the offensive began, reports show that over 61,000 Palestinians have died, excluding those from malnutrition. Alarmingly, over 200 deaths due to starvation have been recorded since June.

Despite mounting criticism from global leaders, Netanyahu remains steadfast, asserting that Israel is prepared to continue its campaign, irrespective of external support. He firmly states, "We will win the war, with or without the support of others."

 

This stance prompted the UN Security Council to convene an emergency meeting to address Netanyahu’s plans, amidst warnings of potential catastrophes and broader regional ramifications. UN Assistant Secretary Miroslav Jenca warned that such actions could trigger a new disaster in Gaza, causing widespread consequences like forced displacement and escalating violence.

 

Moreover, Slovenia's UN Ambassador Samuel Zbogar, speaking for European members, criticized the plan for jeopardizing hostage safety and worsening Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Zbogar stressed that these moves could exacerbate an already dire situation, risking further casualties and mass displacement of Palestinian civilians.

 

The unveiling of Netanyahu's strategy has ignited international debate concerning its effectiveness in securing hostages and the future stability of Palestinian territories. Global leaders express concerns that this approach may intensify regional challenges, leading to increased bloodshed and dislocation.

As tensions mount, the international community remains sharply divided on approaches to manage the escalating conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for diplomatic discourse and humanitarian considerations. Amidst global scrutiny, the unfolding situation continues to draw significant attention as Netanyahu's plans progress.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Daily Mail 2025-08-11

 

5 hours ago, CharlieH said:

As tensions mount, the international community remains sharply divided on approaches to manage the escalating conflict,

 

Some folks in Israel don't seem too happy about it, either. (If you believe RT)

 

Thousands of Israeli protesters took to the streets of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and other cities on Saturday night to oppose Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to seize Gaza City. It is one of the biggest protests yet seen against the war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas militants’ attack on Israel in October 2023.

 

The rallies calling for an immediate ceasefire agreement have attracted more than 100,000 protesters and were organized by the families of captives being held by Hamas.

 

 

Thousands protest in Israel against plan to seize Gaza City — RT World News

 

https://www.rt.com/news

 

 

Haven't Israel razed Gaza completely with only few buildings left standing. They have even turned large swathes of land inside Gaza into ' Kill Zone' where anybody who entered is a target. What more can be expanded but excuse to decimate more Palestinians and occupy Gaza and claimed this is the plan to end the war. Majority of Israelis don't buy into Netanyahu's war thirsty excuse. 

14 hours ago, Eric Loh said:

Haven't Israel razed Gaza completely with only few buildings left standing. They have even turned large swathes of land inside Gaza into ' Kill Zone' where anybody who entered is a target. What more can be expanded but excuse to decimate more Palestinians and occupy Gaza and claimed this is the plan to end the war. Majority of Israelis don't buy into Netanyahu's war thirsty excuse. 

 

Drone footage showing Gaza before and during war highlights the scale of destruction

 

An estimated 436,000 housing units (92% of the total) have been damaged or destroyed, while 83% of arable land, 83% of agricultural water wells and 71% of greenhouses have been damaged. 

 

Drone footage showing Gaza before and during war highlights the scale of destruction | Watch

Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of a "fairly short timetable" to establish designated "safe zones" for the one million or so set to be displaced from Gaza City.

 

He also vowed to seize and dismantle Hamas's final strongholds there - in the central refugee camps, and in al Mawasi, along Gaza's southwestern coast.

 

This, per Netanyahu, is the only way to destroy the terror group, which he claimed "subjugates Gazans, steals their food and shoots them when they try to move to safety".

 

Israel's PM tries to get on front foot in propaganda war he knows he is losing