Published: August 5, 2025
Israel is allegedly thinking of a plan to completely control the Gaza Strip amid stalled ceasefire negotiations, which might intensify its battle with Hamas. Despite resistance from the military establishment, Israeli media reports that Prime Minister Netanyahu has privately explored this move. This change comes after hostage talks broke down and tensions over Hamas’s rule grew.
Decision Reached: Complete Occupation to Secure Hostage Release
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly approved a high-stakes plan to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, including areas where Hamas is believed to hold hostages. According to Israeli media and government sources, a formal directive has been issued to expand military operations across the remaining 25% of Gaza Strip,still under militant control (turn0search0turn0search2turn0news20.
A senior aide close to the Prime Minister described the situation bluntly: “The decision has been made. If we do not act now, the hostages will starve to death—and Gaza will remain under Hamas’s authority.” This shift marks a dramatic escalation from prior restraint, as Israel had previously avoided deep incursions into hostage territories due to the risk of executions (turn0search0turn0search16turn0news20turn0news33.
Military Rift: Political Orders vs. Defense Hesitation
The plan has reportedly created tension between Netanyahu’s war cabinet and the IDF’s leadership. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has expressed concern over entering hostage-held areas, warning it could lead to loss of life. According to reports, Netanyahu told Zamir that “If this does not suit you, you should resign” (turn0search2turn0search16turn0news21.
Military officials fear Hamas could execute remaining captives in retaliation, as occurred when Israeli forces previously neared suspected hideouts. At present, Israel controls approximately 75% of Gaza Strip; the targeted expansion would bring the remaining sections under IDF governance (turn0search16turn0search39turn0search37.
Background: Why Now?
The decision follows the collapse of U.S.-brokered ceasefire talks in Doha. A 60-day truce with a gradual hostage exchange and humanitarian corridors was part of the planned agreement. However, Israeli officials conclude Hamas is unwilling to surrender or negotiate unless backed by force (turn0news24turn0news25.
Earlier this week, Hamas released disturbing footage showing emaciated Israeli hostages, further pressuring Netanyahu and his cabinet to escalate military action (turn0news26turn0news23.
Operational Landscape: What Would Full Occupation Look Like?
Israel’s existing control includes key security zones like the Netzarim and Morag Corridors, established during the 2025 offensive to divide and isolate Hamas strongholds (turn0search37turn0search36.
Under the new plan, the IDF would extend operations into densely populated urban centers—areas believed to harbor hostages. This phase would involve clearing residential sectors and tunnels, setting up military governance, and temporarily administering civilian services under a proposed two-year transitional framework .
Gaza Strip
Stakes & Risks: Strategic, Humanitarian, Political
| Risk/Benefit | Implications |
|---|---|
| Hostage Safety | Higher risk of hostage execution if Hamas panics under military pressure |
| Collateral Damage | Urban warfare could result in heavy civilian casualties and infrastructure losses |
| Political Fallout | Israeli right-wing coalition favors escalation, but former officials oppose it |
| International Response | U.S. and Western nations urge restraint; UN continues to call for humanitarian access (turn0news23turn0search10 |
Desk-Based Context: What History Shows
My five years covering Middle East conflict show that deep military incursions into civilian zones drive instability, humanitarian crises, and complicate post-conflict recovery. Occupation under international law mandates provision of food, shelter, and healthcare .
Moreover, history suggests structural collapse follows severe occupation, exacerbated by loss of civilian infrastructure and governance mechanisms.
Gaza Strip,Gaza Strip/
Looking Forward: What to Expect
If executed, the full occupation will trigger:
- increased land and air operations in Rafah, Khan Yunis, and Gaza City
Humanitarian challenges, including displacement of hundreds of thousands
Increased global scrutiny, with calls for independent investigations into potential war crimes
Possible splinter governance, with Israeli-backed local groups asserting control in place of Hamas (turn0search41turn0search5
Meanwhile, families of Israeli hostages continue pressuring the government to act decisively.Although there is still little clarity, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has alluded to a new “all-or-nothing” strategy meant to ensure the complete release of detainees.
Final Thought
Gaza Strip/Gaza Strip/Gaza Strip/Gaza Strip
Netanyahu’s decision to pursue full occupation reflects a drastic shift in Israel’s strategic posture, driven by impatience with Hamas’s defiance and the breakdown of diplomatic avenues. While this course may remove Hamas’s territorial control, it carries profound risks—from retaliation against hostages, to humanitarian fallout, to long-term instability in Gaza.
source:‘Decision made’: Israel to take full control of Gaza Strip — TOI report
For more global developments, visit our World News section.