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Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a plan to occupy Gaza City, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s office said in a statement cited by The Associated Press.
The decision early Friday came after Netanyahu said Israel planned to occupy all of the Gaza Strip and eventually hand off control of it to friendly Arab forces opposed to Hamas.
But the plans announced Friday stopped short of that, the AP reported, citing continued reservations by Israel’s top general about the safety of remaining hostages being held in Gaza, as well as concerns about further strain on the Israel Defense Forces.
Friday’s decision by the Security Cabinet capped months of failed ceasefire talks between Netanyahu’s government and Hamas, with both sides accusing each other of repeated violations.
Israel has also faced increased international pressure to reach a ceasefire deal as Hamas released videos showing emaciated Israeli hostages being held in Gaza, which the group said was the result of Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid to the war-torn territory.
Netanyahu said after the videos were released that he would convene a Cabinet meeting to discuss how Israel can meet the three main goals he set out for the war: defeating Hamas, returning the hostages and ensuring Gaza doesn’t pose a threat to Israel.
But the prime minister has faced opposition, including from within his own country, to increasing the IDF’s operations in the Gaza Strip. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its counteroffensive in the territory following Hamas’ devastating October 7, 2023, attack that claimed the lives of as many as 1,200 Israelis, most of whom were civilians.
Expanding military operations in Gaza would put the lives of countless Palestinians and the roughly 20 remaining Israeli hostages at risk while further isolating Israel internationally. Israel already controls around three quarters of the devastated territory.
This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.
The Associated Press contributed reporting to this story.
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