Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip, even as calls intensify from the international community for an immediate end to the ongoing war.
The potential shift in Israel’s strategy comes ahead of a crucial cabinet meeting scheduled to finalise an updated war plan.
During a visit to an army training base on Tuesday, Netanyahu stated, "It is necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, to free all our hostages and to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel."
His office later confirmed a three-hour security meeting with army chief Eyal Zamir, though no new plans were publicly disclosed.
According to Israeli public broadcaster Kan, Netanyahu is urging the army to "conquer the entire Gaza Strip", citing unnamed cabinet sources who also claim he has authorised operations in areas where hostages may still be held. However, other outlets, including Channel 12, have suggested this could be a negotiation tactic rather than a definitive military directive.
The idea of expanding Israel's operations has already drawn sharp criticism.
Hamas has rejected any possibility of changing its stance in ongoing ceasefire talks, reiterating its demand for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. "The ball is in the hands of... (Israel) and the Americans," said senior Hamas official Hossam Badran, calling for an end to both the war and the famine in Gaza.
At the United Nations, Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca warned the Security Council that any expansion of military operations could have "catastrophic consequences" for Palestinian civilians and further endanger remaining hostages.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, speaking in New York, addressed the Security Council meeting on the worsening situation of hostages, following the circulation of videos showing emaciated captives, sparking public outrage in Israel.
The conflict, now in its 22nd month, began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, which killed 1,219 people, most of them civilians. Militants also captured 251 hostages, with 49 still held in Gaza, including 27 presumed dead, according to Israeli military estimates.
In retaliation, Israel’s offensive has resulted in the deaths of at least 61,020 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Large parts of the enclave have been devastated, and humanitarian agencies warn that famine is unfolding.
Domestically, Netanyahu is under pressure from hostage families demanding a ceasefire, while his far-right coalition partners push for a permanent reoccupation of Gaza — a reversal of Israel’s 2005 withdrawal of settlers and troops from the area.
Meanwhile, humanitarian aid efforts remain mired in controversy.
The International Committee of the Red Cross reiterated its readiness to provide food, medicine, and facilitate communication with hostages, but stressed that "an agreement must be reached between Israel and Hamas" to proceed.
Israel had imposed a total blockade on Gaza in March, only partially lifting it over two months later to allow aid via the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a U.S.-backed private entity. On Tuesday, UN special rapporteurs demanded the immediate dismantling of GHF, alleging it was being "exploited for covert military and geopolitical agendas."
In response, Israel’s COGAT, the agency overseeing civilian affairs in Palestinian territories, announced a partial reopening of private sector trade, allowing selected merchants to import essential goods like fruit, baby formula, and hygiene products.
On the ground, violence continues.
Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that Israeli forces killed at least 56 Palestinians near aid distribution points. The Israeli military acknowledged firing "warning shots" to disperse crowds but said it was "not aware of any casualties". In northern Gaza, 20 more people were reportedly killed near another aid crossing.
The military said it is investigating the incidents.