Israel’s Security Cabinet is set to meet to discuss the country’s next moves in the nearly two-year-old war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. According to reports, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has indicated a decision has been made to occupy the Gaza Strip, citing concerns that Hamas will not release hostages without total surrender. Israeli journalist Amit Segal quoted a source from Netanyahu’s office as saying, “Hamas will not release hostages without total surrender, if we do not operate now the hostages will die of starvation and Gaza will stay under Hamas’ control”.
The potential occupation and deepening of military operations in Gaza come as ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas appear to have collapsed. Despite efforts by US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff to broker a plan to end the war, Israel seems determined to take control of Gaza. Some ministers in Netanyahu’s government, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, are pushing for Israel to re-occupy Gaza and rebuild Jewish settlements dismantled 20 years ago. However, the Israeli military has expressed reservations about this plan and is expected to present alternative solutions at the cabinet meeting.
