Netanyahu Signals Clear Intent to Take Control of Gaza Strip

A fresh wave of international tension is building after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed his government’s intent to take control of Gaza Strip in its entirety, a move that has sparked alarm across global diplomatic and humanitarian circles.

In a sit-down with Fox News, Netanyahu made no attempt to soften the message. “We intend to,” he said when asked directly whether Israel would seize full control of Gaza. The prime minister argued that such action was necessary to remove Hamas and “enable the population to be free of Hamas,” eventually transferring power to a non-hostile civilian authority.

Fractures Within Israel and Global Backlash

The plan is far from unanimously supported, even within Netanyahu’s own administration. Israeli media report that senior military officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, have warned of the dangers such a move could pose, not just to soldiers but also to the hostages still held by Hamas. Zamir is said to have proposed a less invasive alternative: surrounding Hamas holdouts rather than fully occupying the territory.

Meanwhile, to take control of Gaza Strip as a military goal has triggered fierce criticism internationally. The UN warned of “catastrophic consequences,” with the UK’s ambassador calling the proposal a “huge mistake.” Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) added weight to the condemnation, describing conditions in Gaza as deliberately engineered and systemic, and urging Israel to dismantle the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has been accused of chaotic and unsafe aid distribution.

Hamas reacted swiftly, accusing Netanyahu of sabotaging hostage negotiations for political gain and continuing what it called a policy of “genocide and displacement.”

The Israeli military already has a presence across three-quarters of Gaza, but expanding this footprint could lead to further humanitarian collapse. The reported plan involves securing Gaza City first, pushing one million residents south, followed by control of key refugee camps. A second offensive, coupled with increased humanitarian aid, is expected to follow weeks later.

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