Israel’s security cabinet has approved plans to take full military control of Gaza City, the largest urban centre in the north of the enclave.

The move, announced early Friday by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, signals a deepening of what Palestinians and international rights groups have described as a campaign of genocide and ethnic cleansing.

The decision follows hours of closed-door discussions among senior Israeli officials late Thursday, in which the government debated the controversial measure despite widespread concerns over its legality, feasibility, and humanitarian impact. Netanyahu has made no secret of his aim to take over the entire Strip, saying Israel will eventually hand it over to so-called “friendly Arab forces” rather than the elected Palestinian leadership, Hamas.

The planned seizure comes amid an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 61,258 Palestinians have been killed since Israel began its war—overwhelmingly civilians, including tens of thousands of women and children. Nearly the entire population of over two million people has been displaced—many multiple times—while relentless bombing has reduced entire neighbourhoods to rubble.

The United Nations estimates that more than 60% of Gaza’s buildings and critical infrastructure have been destroyed. With Israel’s siege choking off food, clean water, fuel, and medical supplies, the vast majority of Gazans are on the brink of famine.

While speaking to Fox News on Thursday, Netanyahu claimed Israel had no intention of “permanently” controlling Gaza, insisting, “We don’t want to govern it. We don’t want to be there as a governing body.” Yet, he simultaneously argued for a “full takeover” of the enclave to eliminate Hamas, making clear that the plan is military occupation in all but name.

Hamas condemned Netanyahu’s remarks, calling them “a coup” against faltering ceasefire negotiations and another proof that Israel is committed to destroying Palestinian life in Gaza rather than seeking peace.

Israeli media previously reported that former US President Donald Trump did not oppose Netanyahu’s ambitions to take all of Gaza, though US officials clarified Thursday that Washington does not support formal annexation. Many Palestinian analysts say Netanyahu’s actions are aimed at appeasing extremist factions within his coalition to maintain his grip on power.

The move has exposed a rift between Israel’s military leadership and its political establishment. IOF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir warned that taking full control of Gaza would endanger Israeli captives held in the Strip and dangerously overstretch the army. He has clashed repeatedly with the security cabinet over Gaza policy, prompting Netanyahu to publicly suggest he resign if he opposed the plan.

Hostage families have also voiced sharp opposition, warning that expanded military operations will doom chances of rescuing their loved ones. On Thursday, nearly two dozen relatives of captives sailed toward Gaza’s maritime boundary, broadcasting pleas for Netanyahu to halt the war. Simultaneous protests were held in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

Yehuda Cohen, the father of an Israeli soldier held in Gaza, accused Netanyahu of “working only for himself” and prolonging the war to satisfy far-right elements in his government. “He is sacrificing our loved ones for political survival,” Cohen said, urging the international community to intervene.

For Palestinians, the decision to seize Gaza City is yet another step in Israel’s long-standing project to dismantle Palestinian society through occupation, siege, and displacement. Analysts warn it is part of a broader strategy to depopulate the enclave, impose a permanent military reality, and strip Palestinians of their right to self-determination.

With Gaza already enduring near-total destruction, mass starvation, and the collapse of health and sanitation systems, the planned takeover of its largest city threatens to deepen an already unprecedented humanitarian disaster—one that Palestinian leaders say will be remembered as one of the darkest chapters of the modern era. (ILKHA)