The Israeli Security Cabinet has approved a plan to occupy the Gaza Strip. This decision, confirmed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, is noteworthy because it comes despite opposition from the Israeli military and its chief of staff, as well as a significant number of Israeli citizens. According to reports from Axios, former US President Donald Trump has chosen not to object to the move, stating he will not interfere and will leave the decision entirely to the Israeli government. This stance is surprising, given Trump’s previous attempts to broker a ceasefire between Netanyahu and Hamas, and his recent appeals to Netanyahu to end the war due to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The occupation plan, approved by the Israeli Security Cabinet, involves occupying large parts of central Gaza, including Gaza City, and displacing approximately one million Palestinian civilians. The Israeli military intends to operate in areas where hostages are believed to be held, potentially endangering their lives.
An American official, as reported by Axios, indicated that a recent video released by Hamas, depicting an Israeli hostage digging their own grave, influenced Trump’s change in position. The official stated the video deeply affected the former President, leading him to believe Israel should take whatever actions it deems necessary.
Netanyahu and his allies argue that Hamas is unwilling to accept a comprehensive ceasefire and hostage agreement that Israel can accept, believing that military pressure is the only way to force Hamas to concede. However, Israeli Chief of Staff General Eyal Zamir warned that this action could endanger the hostages’ lives and ensnare Israel in a direct military administration in Gaza, forcing them to bear the full responsibility for 2 million Palestinians.
