The Security Cabinet of the Government of Israel approved a military plan in the early hours of Friday promoted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to occupy Gaza City, located in the northern part of the Palestinian enclave.
The initiative, which marks a new stage in the armed conflict, has as its main objective to defeat the terrorist organization Hamas, ensure the return of Israeli hostages, and establish a new security structure in the Strip.
The decision was officially communicated by the Prime Minister's Office, which detailed that the cabinet supported Netanyahu's proposal to defeat Hamas and that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are preparing to carry out the offensive.
Although the plan currently focuses solely on Gaza City, which represents approximately 25% of the territory still outside Israeli control, a future extension to other areas such as the refugee camps in the center of the enclave is not ruled out.
The government statement emphasized that Israel will maintain its commitment to provide humanitarian aid to the civilian population located outside the combat zones. The operation, as explained, seeks to balance military objectives with the management of humanitarian consequences, in a regional context of high tension and with growing international pressure.
