Middle East
Netanyahu’s Full Gaza Takeover Plan Faces Military Pushback
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly decided to pursue a full military takeover of the Gaza Strip, despite strong opposition from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the potential risk to hostages still held by Hamas.
According to a report by The Times of Israel on Monday (August 4), Netanyahu is expected to seek cabinet approval for the plan within the week. Several ministers have confirmed that Netanyahu has privately used the word “takeover” in conversations, signaling a significantly more aggressive military stance toward Gaza.
A senior official close to Netanyahu told Israeli media outlet Walla: “The decision has been made. We are going to take full control of Gaza.” The official added that operations would extend even into areas where hostages are believed to be held. “If the Chief of Staff disagrees, he should resign,” the source was quoted as saying.
However, Israeli military leadership appears divided. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi has reportedly expressed opposition to the full occupation plan. Currently, IDF controls about 75% of Gaza. The new plan would expand operations to the remaining areas, effectively bringing the entire strip under Israeli military control.
Military officials have warned that such a move could take years due to the extensive underground infrastructure developed by Hamas. They also raised concerns that an intensified operation may place the lives of hostages at immediate risk.
Humanitarian organizations and international observers have also raised alarms about the potential consequences for Gaza’s civilian population and ongoing aid efforts, should Israel proceed with full-scale occupation.
While Netanyahu has announced plans to convene the cabinet soon to discuss the next steps, some analysts suggest he may ultimately urge patience to allow negotiations for hostage releases to continue.
At least 53 Palestinians were killed in Gaza in a single day as Israel continued its airstrikes, with 35 deaths reported in Gaza City alone on Sunday, September 14. According to Al Jazeera, 16 buildings, including three residential towers, were destroyed in the attacks.
The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed that two of the victims were children who died from malnutrition, raising the death toll from hunger and famine during the ongoing war to 422.
In the southern Rimal neighborhood, Israeli forces repeatedly struck the Al-Kawsar Tower, reducing it to rubble within two hours. Continuous bombardment has forced thousands to flee their homes.
The United Nations warned that Israel’s offensive in Gaza City could displace nearly one million Palestinians. Between August 14 and 31 alone, more than 82,000 people were forcibly displaced, including 30,000 moved from the north to the south.
UNICEF has sounded the alarm that by mid-2026, around 132,000 children under five will be at risk of death from severe malnutrition, with a total of 320,000 children facing acute hunger. The agency stressed that famine is spreading fast and children urgently need humanitarian aid and specialized nutrition supplies.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced punitive measures against Israel, citing its role in creating famine in Gaza and obstructing the two-state solution. Delivering her State of the Union speech at the European Parliament on Wednesday (10 September), she said the EU will impose sanctions on Israel’s extremist ministers and violent settlers, suspend financial aid, and halt trade agreements with Tel Aviv.
Von der Leyen condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza as “man-made famine” and criticized European leaders’ weak response. Spain and Ireland welcomed the decision, with Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin calling it a “significant step forward.” Israel, however, dismissed the remarks as echoing Hamas propaganda.
Since October 2023, Israeli military operations have killed over 64,600 Palestinians in Gaza, leaving the enclave devastated and on the brink of famine due to Israel’s blockade.
Israeli airstrikes on Yemen’s capital Sana’a and Al-Jawf province have killed at least 35 people and left 131 others injured, according to reports. Officials fear the death toll may rise further.
Houthi-run Al-Masirah TV said the strikes targeted a medical center in southwest Sana’a and a government compound in Al-Hazm. Yemen’s health ministry confirmed damage to residential buildings in Sana’a’s Al-Tahrir area as well as to medical and government facilities.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed their air defense system forced several Israeli aircraft to retreat using surface-to-air missiles.
Rescue teams are working to pull survivors from the rubble and contain fires sparked by the strikes.
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