Israel's security cabinet has greenlit a controversial plan to assume control of Gaza City, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday. The move comes as part of what officials describe as a broader strategy to dismantle Hamas' governance capabilities and establish long-term security arrangements.
"Our objective is clear: protect Israeli citizens while creating conditions for Gazans to rebuild their lives free from militant influence," Netanyahu told Fox News prior to the cabinet vote. The proposed plan includes creating a security buffer zone and transferring administrative control to unspecified Arab forces.
Hamas leadership swiftly condemned the decision, calling it "a betrayal of negotiation efforts" that exposes Israel's "true expansionist agenda." The group vowed continued resistance through its military wing.
Gaza health authorities report mounting casualties, with over 9,700 Palestinians killed since March 18 and total fatalities surpassing 61,000 since October 2023. The humanitarian crisis continues deepening as infrastructure collapses across the territory.
