Netanyahu states that there will be no annexation of Gaza by their administration.
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel is planning a major siege operation targeting Gaza City, set to begin on October 7, 2025, but stopping short of a full Gaza occupation. This decision, authorized by the Israeli cabinet earlier this August, involves evacuating up to a million civilians into designated "humanitarian zones," placing Gaza City under siege.
However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have expressed strong opposition to the full occupation plan, viewing it as a potential disaster that could lead to high casualties among soldiers and civilians. One military source compared the potential operation to difficult urban battles such as Fallujah and Mosul, emphasizing the heavy cost and tactical pitfalls.
The families of hostages held by Hamas have voiced deep concerns that an expanded military offensive, especially plans involving seizing more territory, will place the lives of these hostages in greater danger. As of August 2025, about 50 Israeli hostages remain captive, and relatives fear that further Israeli advances could provoke Hamas to harm the hostages, as happened tragically with Carmel Gat. These families are critical of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s approach, fearing reckless escalation could endanger hostages rather than securing their release.
Political dissent within Israel is growing, especially from right-wing ministers unsatisfied with Netanyahu’s approach. Finance Minister Betal Smutri, for instance, has criticized the strategy for not fully conquering Gaza and appearing as a half measure. Smutri's criticisms stop short of an outright government resignation but indicate internal political strains.
International bodies have issued significant warnings against the plan. UN officials and humanitarian voices stress that the continued military escalation will lead to a catastrophic worsening of humanitarian conditions, with displacement, starvation, and death. They emphasize that there is no purely military solution to the conflict and call for civilian protection, unconditional release of hostages, and unimpeded humanitarian assistance.
Doctors Without Borders denounces that the centers of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation have become places of "orchestrated killings." Cindy McCain, director of the World Food Programme (WFP), emphasizes that Gaza is "out of food and out of time." The WFP cannot afford to wait to provide food aid to Gaza, and McCain adds that the only way to get food in necessary quantities is by land.
The Israeli chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, opposes the expansion of the military campaign to Gaza due to the risks associated with operations where the remaining hostages (20 out of 50) could be killed. Zamir told his collaborators that "conquering the Strip will drag Israel into a black hole."
In the face of these challenges, the chief of staff reaffirmed his intention to "continue to express our position without fear, in an objective, independent, and professional manner." He emphasized that the culture of dissent is an integral part of the history of the Israeli people and is a fundamental element in the organizational culture of the IDF.
As of this morning, at least 22 people have died in Gaza due to Israeli raids. The humanitarian aid dropped from the sky cannot solve the growing hunger, McCain added, and the only way to alleviate the crisis is through land-based aid. The situation in Gaza is critical, and time is running out.
- The ongoing escalation of the conflict, set to begin on October 7, 2025, involves a plan by Israel to siege Gaza City, which falls under the category of 'war-and-conflicts'.
- Doctors Without Borders claims the centers of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation are sites of "orchestrated killings," pertaining to 'health-and-wellness' and 'mental-health'.
- Political dissent within Israel is on the rise, particularly from right-wing ministers like Finance Minister Betal Smutri, who criticize Prime Minister Netanyahu’s approach to the conflict, which is related to 'politics'.
- Cindy McCain, director of the World Food Programme (WFP), stated that Gaza is "out of food and out of time," pointing to the pressing needs of 'general-news' and 'crime-and-justice' in relation to food security and aid distribution.
