Israel’s security cabinet has greenlit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan for the military occupation of Gaza City, a move that will displace up to 900,000 Palestinian civilians from the northern city to camps in central Gaza.
The decision follows Netanyahu’s declaration that Israel intends to “take control of all of Gaza,” intensifying an already dire situation in the enclave.
Hamas has condemned the plan as a “war crime,” accusing Israel of sacrificing captives held in Gaza.
The operation comes amid a genocide that has already claimed 61,330 lives and injured 152,359 others, with starvation and destruction rampant.
The international community has sharply criticized Israel’s actions, with Saudi Arabia denouncing the move as ethnic cleansing and Germany halting military equipment deliveries to Israel.
China has expressed “serious concerns,” urging an immediate cessation of Israel’s plans, while the EU’s Antonio Costa stated the decision violates international law and will impact EU-Israel relations.
Palestinians in Gaza City, like Rajab Khader, vow to resist displacement, refusing to leave despite facing starvation and repeated attacks.
Ahmed Hirz, displaced eight times, said he would rather die than leave again, reflecting widespread Palestinian defiance amid hopelessness.
Israel’s plan exacerbates Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe, with no safe zones left for civilians.
The UN’s Volker Turk has demanded the plan be halted, citing its devastating consequences.
Airdropped aid, meant to alleviate famine, has instead caused injuries and stampedes, with Gaza’s Civil Defence warning of the dangers of such methods.
Palestinian activist Mustafa Barghouti accused Israel of aiming for the “annihilation of the Palestinian people,” likening the plan to a “second Nakba.”
With no clear timeline, Israel’s push for control risks plunging Gaza into further chaos, with civilians bearing the brunt of the suffering.