Israel's security cabinet has greenlit a controversial plan to assume control of Gaza City, escalating regional tensions as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vows to "assure our security" and dismantle Hamas. The decision, announced Friday, follows Netanyahu's Thursday remarks to Fox News emphasizing Israel's intent to "take control of all of Gaza" to create what he described as "freedom" for residents.
Hamas swiftly condemned the move, calling it a "clear reversal" of negotiation progress and accusing Netanyahu of leveraging the conflict for political motives. The group's statement warned the decision would deepen instability across Palestinian territories.
Analysts suggest the plan could reshape Gaza's governance while raising humanitarian concerns. "This marks a pivotal moment in Israel's security strategy," said Middle East expert Dr. Amira Khalid. "However, international observers will closely monitor civilian protections during implementation."
The development comes amid stalled ceasefire talks and growing global calls for de-escalation. Regional markets showed immediate volatility Friday, with energy and defense stocks fluctuating as investors assess potential supply chain disruptions.
