Israel’s security cabinet has approved a proposal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the assumed control of the city of Gaza, the Prime Minister’s office announced Friday. The decision follows debate and despite warnings from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that such an operation could endanger the remaining hostages and potentially exacerbate the existing humanitarian situation. The announcement did not specify a complete takeover of the entire Gaza Strip.
The cabinet overwhelmingly voted in favor of “five principles for ending the war” which include the disarmament of Hamas, the return of all hostages and the establishment of an alternative civilian administration in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu stated the IDF is preparing to assume control of Gaza City, while simultaneously working to distribute humanitarian aid to civilians impacted by severe food shortages, but located outside of active combat zones.
A senior Israeli official indicated that the civilian population of Gaza City would be encouraged to evacuate south prior to the IDF establishing a siege around the city and expanding ground operations. Approximately 800,000 people currently reside in Gaza City, many of whom have already been internally displaced within the Gaza Strip throughout the course of the ongoing conflict.