Netanyahu Weighs Full Gaza Takeover as Hunger Crisis Deepens

Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Left-Leaning

Why: The report emphasizes Palestinian civilian suffering, quotes former Israeli officials opposing the war, and highlights international pressure on Israel while offering limited detail on Hamas' perspective or actions.

Netanyahu Considers Full Military Control of Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a complete military takeover of the Gaza Strip, marking a potential shift in strategy for the first time in two decades. He was expected to meet senior security officials on Tuesday to finalize recommendations for the Israeli cabinet.

Reports from Israeli outlets including Channel 12, Ynetnews, and The Jerusalem Post suggest Netanyahu now favors regaining full control over Gaza. This would reverse Israel’s 2005 withdrawal, which far-right coalition members blame for Hamas’s rise to power in the enclave. It remains unclear whether this would involve a long-term occupation or a shorter military campaign focused on dismantling Hamas and recovering Israeli hostages.

Ceasefire Talks Collapse Amid Growing Starvation

Mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, most recently held in Doha, Qatar, have collapsed. The proposed plan included a 60-day truce, increased aid to Gaza, and a partial hostage-prisoner exchange. The U.S. had backed the proposal.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 8 additional starvation deaths and 79 deaths from Israeli attacks in the past 24 hours. At least 188 people — including 94 children — have reportedly died of hunger since the war began. An Israeli security official acknowledged food insecurity in parts of Gaza but denied a widespread famine.

Israeli Military and Government Divided

Netanyahu’s meeting on Gaza strategy reportedly included Defense Minister Israel Katz, Military Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer. However, Israeli military officials have been hesitant about a full occupation, citing limited personnel and repeated calls to reserve duty during the nearly two-year conflict.

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir publicly challenged the military chief on social media, demanding he comply with any future order to take over all of Gaza. In response, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the military must give professional, not political, opinions.

Defense Minister Katz stated the military would follow government policy, saying, "Defeating Hamas in Gaza, while creating the conditions for the return of the hostages, are the central goals of the war in Gaza."

Public Shock Over Hostage Video

On Saturday, Hamas released a video of Israeli hostage Evyatar David, appearing emaciated in what looked like a tunnel. The footage stirred strong public reaction in Israel and abroad. Approximately 251 hostages were taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, which killed about 1,200 people. Israeli officials believe only 20 of those hostages are still alive.

Most were released during earlier ceasefires brokered through international mediation. Israel has rejected recent truce offers, increasing pressure on Hamas through military actions and public messaging.

Gaza Civilian Toll and Displacement

According to Palestinian authorities, over 61,000 people — mostly civilians — have been killed by Israeli attacks since the war began. Nearly all of Gaza’s more than two million residents have been displaced, many facing food and water shortages.

On Tuesday, Israeli tanks entered central Gaza, though it remains unclear whether this marks the start of a broader ground operation. A Gaza resident, Abu Jehad, told reporters, “If the tanks pushed through, where would we go, into the sea? This will be like a death sentence.”

Palestinian officials suspect that Israel’s threats of full occupation may be a negotiating tactic rather than a committed plan. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry urged the international community to respond to the media reports urgently, whether they were “leaks” or official policy.

Former Israeli Security Chiefs Call for War’s End

In a video posted Sunday, several prominent former heads of Israeli intelligence and security services — including Shin Bet, Mossad, and the Israel Defense Forces — called for an end to the war in Gaza.

Ami Ayalon, former Shin Bet chief, said far-right politicians were “holding the country hostage” and leading Israel toward the “loss of its security and its identity.”

International Response and Recognition of Palestine

Mounting global anger over the humanitarian disaster in Gaza has led several countries to officially recognize or announce plans to recognize Palestine as an independent state. This is seen as a response to both the civilian toll and the failure of peace negotiations.

The current Israeli government — the most right-wing in its history — includes coalition members who openly support the annexation of both Gaza and the West Bank and advocate for the displacement of Palestinians. As of now, the future of Gaza — and the scope of any Israeli military action — remains uncertain.