JERUSALEM — Israel’s Security Cabinet has approved a plan to take control of Gaza City, marking a significant escalation in its ongoing military operations in the Gaza Strip. The decision, announced early Friday, aims to expand Israel’s military presence in the region and intensify efforts to dismantle Hamas’ infrastructure.
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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to civilians outside the combat zones. The plan involves evacuating Palestinian civilians from Gaza City and launching a ground offensive there.
The move has drawn strong criticism both domestically and internationally. Germany announced it would halt exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza, a decision Prime Minister Netanyahu called disappointing. Other European allies have urged Israel to reconsider its decision to escalate the Gaza military campaign.
In Israel, families of hostages held by militants in Gaza and opposition leaders have condemned the decision, arguing that it could put hostages’ lives at risk. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the decision to send Israeli forces into Gaza City a disaster, saying it defied the advice of military and security officials.
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The Israeli military has stated that it controls around 75% of Gaza. Retired Israeli brigadier general Amir Avivi estimated that if the military takes Gaza City, it would give Israel control of about 85% of the strip. He described Gaza City as the “heart of Gaza,” noting that its fall would be a significant blow to Hamas.
The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with concerns over the humanitarian impact and the potential for further escalation in the region.
Sources: Reuters, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, PBS
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