A girl walks inside Gaza during the Gaza-Israel war to get food. Jaber Jehad Badwan
Palestine & Israel

Netanyahu Vows Full Control of Gaza Amid 'Gideon's Chariots'

Aid Restrictions Persist as Gaza Faces Famine Threat

Jummah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared plans on Monday for Israel to assume “full control” of the Gaza Strip, pledging to intensify military operations in a social media statement.

The remarks followed a resumption of airstrikes that Gaza’s health ministry says killed at least 103 Palestinians in 24 hours, as Israel mobilizes tens of thousands of reservists for a protracted campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas and securing long-term dominance over the enclave.

Expanded Ground Offensive Targets “Safe Zones,” Hospitals
Under Operation Gideon’s Chariot, Israeli forces escalated ground operations across Gaza, striking Khan Younis, Beit Lahia, and Jabalia. A bombardment of the al-Mawasi displacement camp—previously designated a “safe zone” by Israel—killed 22 and injured 100, according to local authorities. Hospitals remain focal points: three northern medical facilities are non-operational, while staff at Beit Lahia’s Indonesian Hospital reported tank fire hitting the complex without warning. Israel denies targeting hospitals, insisting it strikes Hamas infrastructure nearby, though evidence suggests deliberate attacks on medical sites.

Aid Access Limited Amid “Catastrophic” Famine Risks
Facing mounting international pressure, Israel permitted limited food aid into Gaza for the first time in weeks, as a near-total blockade since October 2023 has barred fuel, medicine, and supplies. UN agencies warn of imminent famine among Gaza’s 2.1 million residents, with malnutrition rates among children soaring. Israel conditions sustained aid access on the return of hostages, Hamas’ disarmament, and the removal of its leadership—a stance criticized as collective punishment.

ICC Warrants, ICJ Genocide Case Compound Isolation
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants in November 2023 for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, alleging war crimes and crimes against humanity. Simultaneously, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over its offensive, which Gaza authorities say has killed over 53,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children.

Global Reactions and Strategic Implications
Netanyahu’s push for control signals a rejection of postwar governance proposals involving Palestinian authorities, further straining ties with the U.S. and Arab allies. While the U.S. reaffirmed “unwavering” support, European leaders condemned the hospital strikes and aid restrictions. Analysts note the offensive risks entrenching Israel’s diplomatic isolation without achieving lasting security.

SCROLL FOR NEXT