According to the reports on Tuesday (05 August), Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing to announce an updated Gaza war strategy aimed at eliminating Hamas and securing the release of dozens of Israeli hostages. Media reports suggest Netanyahu plans to order the complete military reoccupation of Gaza, a move that has already triggered alarm among Palestinians and drawn criticism from the Palestinian Authority and Hamas. He is expected to meet soon with top security officials to issue new directives, although the timing remains officially unconfirmed.
While Israeli officials work to highlight the hostage crisis at the United Nations Security Council, domestic pressure continues to mount on Netanyahu from the families of the 49 remaining hostages. These families are calling for an immediate ceasefire, fearing that further military escalation will put their loved ones in even greater danger. Internationally, calls for a truce are growing louder, particularly to address Gaza’s deepening humanitarian crisis, with some European countries pushing for recognition of Palestinian statehood.
Israel’s military campaign, which began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attacks, has lasted nearly two years and devastated much of Gaza. Over 60,933 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, and humanitarian groups warn that the territory’s 2.4 million residents are facing catastrophic famine. In response, Israel has announced a limited reopening of private trade with Gaza, allowing select merchants to import staple goods under strict security checks, aiming to reduce dependence on aid convoys and military airdrops.
Despite these moves, tensions remain high as Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners push for full reoccupation of Gaza and greater control over the occupied West Bank. Netanyahu has reiterated that Israel’s war goals remain the defeat of Hamas, the return of hostages, and ensuring Gaza no longer poses a threat. However, retired Israeli security chiefs have urged the U.S. to pressure Netanyahu to end the war, warning that prolonging the conflict endangers both hostages and regional stability.
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Netanyahu pushes total Gaza occupation amid hostage crisis and global pressure
