Israel’s Gaza City Takeover Triggers Global Outcry

Israel’s plan to seize Gaza City, approved by its Security Cabinet on Friday, has ignited fears for Palestinian civilians and the 20 or so remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas, intensifying global calls to end the 22-month war. The move, part of a broader strategy to defeat Hamas, could displace tens of thousands and worsen Gaza’s dire humanitarian crisis, with no clear start date for the operation, an Israeli official said anonymously.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will prepare to control Gaza City while providing aid to civilians outside combat zones. This follows Netanyahu’s earlier Fox News claim of taking all of Gaza, though he later clarified Israel aims to “free Gaza from Hamas” without permanent occupation. The plan includes disarming Hamas, freeing hostages, demilitarizing Gaza, and establishing a new administration excluding Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

The decision faces fierce opposition. Hamas called it a “war crime,” vowing “fierce resistance.” Hostage families, like Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is captive, demand a ceasefire deal, stating, “All of Israel wants an end to the war.” Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, warned the operation risks hostages and strains the army.

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Globally, allies like the UK, France, and Canada condemned the plan. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it “wrong,” predicting more bloodshed, while Germany halted arms exports to Israel for Gaza use. The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting for Sunday at 10 am EDT, moved from Saturday due to the Jewish Sabbath.

The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack killing 1,200 and abducting 251, has killed over 61,000 Palestinians, per Gaza’s Health Ministry, deemed reliable by the UN. Gaza faces famine, with aid deliveries disrupted—six Palestinians were killed and 140 wounded Friday at Zikim Crossing, per Shifa Hospital’s director.

Egypt and Qatar are crafting a ceasefire framework to free all hostages in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal, backed by Arab Gulf states fearing regional instability. Discussions include Hamas “freezing” its weapons, with a Palestinian-Arab committee managing Gaza’s reconstruction until a new police force, trained by U.S. allies, takes over.

Gaza City, heavily bombarded, is “rubble,” said resident Umm Youssef, who returned after 16 months. A ground operation could displace thousands more, with retired general Amir Avivi estimating three months to mobilize 30,000 troops.

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