The security cabinet has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus plan to seize the enclaves main settlement

Israel's security cabinet has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to seize Gaza City, his office announced on X on Friday. The move could pave the way for a full takeover of the enclave, despite warnings that it could endanger hostages held by Hamas.

Netanyahu's office said the ministers endorsed five conditions to end the war: Hamas' disarmament, the return of all hostages, Gaza's demilitarization, Israeli security control, and a post-war civilian administration excluding both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

Just hours earlier, Netanyahu told Fox News that his ultimate goal is full control of Gaza. While the statement on Friday did not mention this explicitly, a senior Israeli official told The Times of Israel that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is expected to advance into the remaining parts of Gaza after taking the city. Palestinians will reportedly have until October 7, 2025 to evacuate Gaza City before the IDF launches a ground assault.

Hamas denounced the plan on Thursday, calling Netanyahu a war criminal and describing his plan to seize Gaza as "an extension of his genocidal and displacement policies." In a statement quoted by Press TV, the group urged the international community to intervene.

The conflict began with Hamas' October 2023 attack on southern Israel, which killed around 1,200 people and saw 250 taken hostage. Around 50 remain in Gaza. Israel's response has killed at least 60,000 people - mostly civilians - over 21 months, according to the enclave's Health Ministry. A fragile three-stage ceasefire was agreed in January but collapsed in March. Talks have continued since, without a breakthrough.

Reports say Israel's hostage negotiation team warned the ministers against approving any move that could derail talks with Hamas. Netanyahu reportedly said the operation could be paused if Hamas accepts Israel's demands. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir also opposed the plan, warning it would endanger the hostages and trigger a humanitarian crisis.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid condemned the decision as "a disaster," warning it would prolong the war, lead to more casualties among hostages and soldiers, and cause a political collapse.

(RT.com)