In a significant escalation of the ongoing war in Gaza, the Israeli Security Cabinet has approved a comprehensive plan to take over Gaza City as part of its strategy to destroy Hamas. The announcement came from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, August 7, marking one of the most decisive moves in the conflict since it began.

Netanyahu’s declaration

Speaking at a press briefing, Netanyahu made it clear that Israel’s goal was to eliminate Hamas completely and take full control of the Gaza Strip in the short term. He also revealed plans for transferring Gaza’s administration to what he described as “friendly Arab forces” once military operations are completed.

The prime minister stated, “The only way to guarantee lasting security for Israel is to dismantle Hamas’s military and governing capabilities in their entirety. This requires controlling Gaza City, the heart of Hamas’s power, before handing over its administration to responsible regional partners.”

Military control as a first step

According to Israeli security sources, the takeover of Gaza City will involve intensive ground operations, targeting Hamas’s command centres, tunnel networks, and weapons storage sites. This strategy is designed to cripple the group’s ability to launch rocket attacks and cross-border raids into Israeli territory.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) are expected to conduct coordinated assaults supported by airstrikes and naval blockades, aiming to gain control of key urban areas within weeks. Military analysts say this would represent the largest urban warfare operation Israel has undertaken in decades.

Transfer of administration to Arab forces

Netanyahu’s reference to “friendly Arab forces” is seen as a potential diplomatic outreach to countries such as Egypt, Jordan, or the United Arab Emirates, which have varying degrees of security cooperation with Israel.

The plan envisions that once Hamas is neutralised, these Arab forces would oversee governance, reconstruction, and security in Gaza—potentially under the umbrella of an Arab League–backed mission. This approach aims to avoid a long-term Israeli military occupation, which could draw international criticism and further inflame tensions in the region.

International and regional reactions

The announcement has already sparked strong reactions worldwide. Palestinian leaders in both Gaza and the West Bank have condemned the plan, calling it an act of aggression and a violation of Palestinian sovereignty.

The United Nations has expressed concern that a full military takeover of Gaza City could lead to severe humanitarian consequences, particularly for the civilian population, which is already facing shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies due to the ongoing blockade.

Egypt and Jordan, while yet to issue formal statements, are expected to tread carefully. Analysts believe that Arab states approached for the post-conflict administration may set strict conditions, including guarantees for Palestinian rights and an eventual path towards a two-state solution.

Escalation of the Israel–Hamas war

This decision comes amid some of the most intense fighting in Gaza since the war erupted. The IDF has been conducting near-daily airstrikes, while Hamas has continued rocket attacks on Israeli cities. Civilian casualties on both sides have been mounting, prompting calls for ceasefire negotiations from international mediators.

Netanyahu’s new plan signals that Israel is not seeking a quick ceasefire, but rather a decisive military victory before any talks on the future of Gaza take place.

Challenges ahead for Israel

While the military aspect of the plan is ambitious, experts warn that urban warfare in Gaza City will be extremely challenging due to its dense population, narrow streets, and Hamas’s network of fortified tunnels. The IDF will need to conduct careful operations to minimise civilian casualties and avoid drawing global condemnation.

There is also uncertainty about whether Arab states will agree to take over Gaza’s administration, given the political risks and the complexity of governing a territory devastated by years of conflict.

Long-term implications for the Middle East

If implemented, the plan could reshape the political landscape of the Middle East. For Israel, a successful operation could strengthen Netanyahu’s position domestically and demonstrate its military dominance. For Palestinians, however, the move could be seen as another step away from self-determination unless accompanied by a clear political roadmap.

Internationally, the plan could test the Abraham Accords partnerships, as Arab nations will have to balance security cooperation with Israel against public opinion in their own countries, where sympathy for the Palestinian cause remains strong.

Conclusion

The Israeli Security Cabinet’s approval of a plan to seize Gaza City, destroy Hamas, and transfer administration to Arab allies marks a turning point in the ongoing war. While the military strategy is clear, the political and humanitarian dimensions remain deeply uncertain.

As the situation develops, the world will be watching to see whether Israel can achieve its military objectives without triggering an even larger regional crisis—and whether Arab nations will accept the role envisioned for them in post-Hamas Gaza.

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