Israel Approves IDF Takeover of Gaza City, Hamas Warns of Hostage Sacrifice

The militant group Hamas has warned that Israel's plan to take control of Gaza City signifies a willingness to "sacrifice" the remaining hostages held in the region. This development comes as Israel's security cabinet has approved a proposal to have the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) take over Gaza City, marking an escalation in Israel's 22-month offensive in Gaza.

Israel's Prime Minister's office confirmed the decision, stating that the security cabinet had endorsed a plan to defeat Hamas. The IDF will prepare to take control of Gaza City while distributing humanitarian aid to civilians outside the combat zones. The cabinet also outlined five conditions to end the war, including the disarmament of Hamas, the return of all hostages, the demilitarization of Gaza, Israeli security control over the region, and the establishment of an alternative civilian government not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.

The decision to focus on Gaza City, rather than the entire Gaza Strip, suggests a phased approach to military control. Currently, the IDF controls approximately 75% of Gaza, with Gaza City being one of the remaining unoccupied areas. The move could involve the evacuation of Gaza City's 800,000 residents, further compressing the living space for Gaza's approximately 2 million inhabitants.

Critics, including the IDF's Chief of Staff, have expressed strong opposition to a full-scale occupation of Gaza, warning that it could lead to a humanitarian disaster and put the remaining hostages at greater risk. The Chief of Staff has proposed an alternative plan that focuses on diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, rather than military occupation.

Hamas has accused Israel of being willing to sacrifice the remaining hostages to achieve its political goals. The international community has also expressed concern over the potential humanitarian impact of a full-scale military takeover. The United Nations has warned of "disastrous consequences" for both Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages, while the British ambassador to Israel described the plan as a "huge mistake."

Despite the criticism, the U.S. ambassador to Israel has stated that the decision to fully occupy Gaza is up to the Israeli government, while emphasizing that Palestinians should not be forced to leave their homes. The escalating tensions and differing views within Israel's military and political leadership highlight the complex and challenging nature of the conflict in Gaza.