Jerusalem, August 9: Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to take control of Gaza City, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced, rejecting alternative proposals it said would not achieve the defeat of Hamas or secure the release of hostages.

The decision comes amid mounting international pressure to end the nearly two-year war in Gaza and to allow greater humanitarian aid into the territory. The United Nations has warned the move could have “devastating consequences”, while hostages’ families fear it could endanger their loved ones.

A statement from Netanyahu’s office outlined five guiding principles for ending the war, of which three and the new plan were adopted by a cabinet majority. “The IDF will begin preparations to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to civilians outside the war zone,” the statement read.

Speaking to Fox News ahead of the meeting, Netanyahu said Israel wanted to maintain full security control over Gaza, but not govern it directly, hinting it could be handed to “Arab powers” after the war — without specifying which countries.

Military leaders have warned the operation, potentially lasting months, could displace hundreds of thousands and deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where nearly one million Palestinians live in and around the targeted area.

Israel says its forces already control 75% of the Strip, but the new plan could involve expanded ground operations into Gaza City and surrounding refugee camps.

The proposal has drawn criticism from foreign governments, humanitarian agencies, and domestic protest groups. Opinion polls suggest most Israelis favor negotiating a deal with Hamas to end the war and secure the hostages’ release, rather than continuing large-scale military operations.