Israel’s Security Cabinet will convene Tuesday to discuss a potential full military occupation of the Gaza Strip, marking what could be a pivotal escalation in the country’s nearly two-year war against Hamas, according to multiple Israeli media outlets.
The deliberations follow the collapse of mediated ceasefire talks, ongoing hostage negotiations, and growing frustration within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government over a lack of progress toward defeating Hamas or returning hostages.
Netanyahu’s Office: “The Decision Has Been Made”
Amit Segal, senior commentator for Channel 12, Israel’s top-rated news network, cited a source in Netanyahu’s office who confirmed:
“The decision has been made… we are going to occupy the Gaza Strip.”
The source added that Hamas will not release hostages without Israel forcing total surrender, warning:
“If we do not operate now, the hostages will die of starvation, and Gaza will stay under Hamas’ control.”
Segal’s report stated that Israel has reached the end of its diplomatic rope:
“Israel for months was at a crossroad… not achieving victory or the hostages. The mandate for a deal was broad, but we did not get