Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said his country plans to take full control of Gaza, while making it clear that Israel has no intention of governing the besieged enclave.
This declaration came during an interview on Fox News, where the prime minister emphasized that the goal is to maintain a security perimeter, not to assume administrative control of the territory.
The remarks coincided with a critical meeting of Israel’s security cabinet on Thursday, during which officials gathered to deliberate on the next phase of military operations. The discussions are taking place under intense internal and international pressure for a resolution that would secure the release of hostages still held by Palestinian militants and stave off a looming famine in Gaza.
During his appearance on US television, Netanyahu was asked if Israel planned to retake full control of Gaza, to which he responded, “We intend to.” When pressed further on whether this meant a return to the type of control Israel had between 1967 and 2005, he clarified, “We don’t want to keep it. We want to have a security perimeter. We don’t want to govern it.” Instead, he proposed transferring authority to Arab forces capable of governing Gaza responsibly and ensuring stability—something he said could not happen “with Hamas.”
Israeli media reports indicate that Netanyahu will be seeking approval from the cabinet for an expanded military offensive. This proposed operation would focus on areas densely populated by civilians where hostages are suspected to be held. The intensification of the military campaign is already raising significant alarm about the fate of those hostages, who have now endured 22 months in captivity since the October 2023 Hamas attacks.
As ministers convened, protesters gathered in Jerusalem, just outside the prime minister’s office, demanding the government strike a deal that would bring the hostages home. Earlier in the day, relatives of those abducted departed from Ashkelon port in boats, attempting to get closer to Gaza in a symbolic gesture of solidarity. Organizers expressed hope that the action might help bridge the emotional gap with their loved ones, even if physical rescue remains out of reach.
According to the Israeli military, 49 of the 251 hostages taken in the Hamas assault are still being held in Gaza, with 27 of those presumed dead. The uncertainty surrounding their condition continues to fuel public unrest and political friction within Israel.
Reports ahead of the cabinet meeting suggested that disagreements have emerged between members of the government and military leadership. In particular, Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir is said to be opposed to a full reoccupation of Gaza. Defence Minister Israel Katz acknowledged Zamir’s right to express his position, though he added that the military is ultimately bound to implement the policies decided by the government.
In a public statement on Thursday, Zamir reaffirmed his stance, stressing the gravity of the moment. “We are not dealing with theory—we are dealing with matters of life and death,” he said, pledging to continue expressing his views “without fear” while prioritizing the protection of Israeli citizens and troops.
While Israel weighs its next moves, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Local residents expressed deep concern about the consequences of a renewed ground offensive. “Ground operations mean more destruction and death. There is no safe place anywhere,” said 45-year-old Ahmad Salem. “If Israel starts and expands its ground operations again, we’ll be the first victims.”
These fears are echoed by international humanitarian organizations. The United Nations has already warned that famine is emerging across the territory, where more than two million Palestinians remain trapped under siege conditions. The World Health Organization recently reported that at least 99 people, including children, have died from malnutrition this year—a number likely underestimated.
Displaced Gazans, such as 38-year-old Mahmoud Wafi, continue to struggle with extreme food shortages and price spikes. “We hope that food will be made available again in normal quantities and at reasonable prices,” he told AFP, explaining that current prices are simply out of reach for ordinary people.
Although Israel partially lifted restrictions on aid in late July, humanitarian groups say the changes are far from sufficient. The UN estimates that Gaza needs at least 600 aid trucks daily to meet basic needs. However, only about 70 to 80 trucks are getting through, largely due to long inspection procedures and limitations on the types of goods permitted.
Amjad Al-Shawa, who heads the Palestinian NGO Network in Gaza, said that most of the trucks allowed in carry only specific items, making it impossible to meet the overwhelming demand for food, medicine, and other essentials.
Meanwhile, Israeli air strikes continued to pound various parts of Gaza on Thursday. Civil defence spokesperson Mahmud Bassal reported that at least 35 people were killed across multiple areas, adding to the growing death toll amid the prolonged conflict.
What you should know
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s declaration that Israel seeks full control—but not governance—of Gaza underscores a complex military and political strategy aimed at neutralizing Hamas while avoiding long-term occupation.
With pressure intensifying over the fate of remaining hostages and an escalating humanitarian crisis, the Israeli government faces increasing scrutiny at home and abroad over its handling of the war and its consequences for Gaza’s civilian population.
