Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu plans to seize all of Gaza; Hamas warns ‘won’t be a walk in the park’

In a major escalation of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has signaled his intention to take full control of Gaza City. The move, which follows nearly two years of war with Hamas, has drawn international concern and renewed calls for an end to hostilities.

Israel’s Security Cabinet approved the plan late Thursday night, with Netanyahu’s office confirming the decision on Friday. “We intend to, in order to assure our security, remove Hamas there,” Netanyahu said during an interview with a foreign news channel ahead of the Cabinet meeting. “We don’t want to keep it. We want to have a security perimeter.”

‘We want a security perimeter’: Netanyahu

The announcement comes amid a devastating military campaign that has already killed tens of thousands in Gaza, displaced the vast majority of its population, and triggered a humanitarian catastrophe bordering on famine.

In the same interview, Netanyahu elaborated, saying, “Israel intended to take control of all of Gaza to ‘assure our security, remove Hamas there, enable the population to be free of Gaza.’”

Hamas warns against escalation

While Israel currently controls around three-quarters of the territory, full control would mark a major expansion of the operation. This has raised alarm among international stakeholders. “Israel’s decision to further escalate its offensive in Gaza is wrong,” said British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “It will only bring more bloodshed. … Both parties must step away from the path of destruction.”

Australia and other countries have also expressed reservations, calling for restraint and humanitarian relief.

Hamas responded sharply to the Israeli announcement. “Expanding of aggression against our Palestinian people will not be a walk in the park,” the group said in a statement.

An expanded offensive is likely to widen rifts between Israel and international allies, especially as criticism of the prolonged war grows louder. The Associated Press reported that while international criticism has increased, concrete actions remain limited.

Israeli military prepares for Gaza city control

According to Israeli media, military chief of staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has expressed concern that further expansion could jeopardize the safety of the approximately 20 hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza, as well as exhaust Israeli forces after prolonged regional conflict.

Meanwhile, mediators from Egypt and Qatar are reportedly working on a comprehensive ceasefire framework, according to two Arab officials cited by the Associated Press. The proposed deal includes the release of all hostages — dead or alive — in exchange for an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Netanyahu’s office said, “The military will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones.”

The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251 others. While most of the hostages have since been released through ceasefires or negotiated deals, around 50 remain in Gaza — with Israel estimating that 20 are still alive.

(With inputs from agencies)