Israel Plans Gaza City Takeover to Pressure Hamas as Civilian Crisis Deepens

JERUSALEM — August 8, 2025 — Israel plans to gradually take over Gaza City, intensifying its war with Hamas. The move has raised concerns about civilian safety, famine, and the fate of at least 20 hostages believed to still be alive in the territory.

The operation would require mobilizing thousands of troops and relocating Palestinian civilians. An Israeli official said the operation would be phased, but no date has been set.

Netanyahu Signals Broader War Strategy

In a Fox News interview, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Israel’s intent to control all of Gaza. He said the aim is to eliminate Hamas. However, he added that Israel does not plan to remain in the territory long-term.

The Cabinet approved a narrower plan targeting Gaza City. Hamas dismissed the threat, warning that any expansion of Israel’s aggression would not go unanswered.

Germany responded by suspending military exports to Israel. Officials in Berlin cited fears of worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Humanitarian Crisis Grows

Gaza faces extreme hunger. The United Nations estimates over 61,000 Palestinians have died since the war began in October 2023. Many areas have turned to rubble.

Umm Youssef, a Gaza City resident, returned to her home after 16 months.

“The area is all rubble. There’s nothing left to occupy. There is no life here,” she said.

A new invasion could displace tens of thousands and halt food distribution in the north.

Ceasefire Talks Resume

Egypt and Qatar are working to revive talks. The proposed deal would include the release of all hostages and a complete Israeli withdrawal. Gulf nations back the plan.

The proposal involves a “weapons freeze,” allowing Hamas to keep arms but not use them. A Palestinian-Arab committee would lead reconstruction. A new police force, trained by U.S. allies, would maintain order.

It is unclear if the Palestinian Authority would have a role. A senior Hamas official said they have not received full details.

Hostages and Regional Tensions

Hamas militants sparked the war by killing 1,200 Israelis and kidnapping 251 people on October 7, 2023. Most hostages have been freed, but about 50 remain. Israel believes 20 are still alive.

Israel’s military chief, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, warned that expanding ground operations could harm hostages and overextend troops.

U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff recently met with hostage families. He said Israel now seeks an “all-or-nothing” deal to end the war and secure the release of all hostages.

Images Reveal Deepening Crisis

Gaza City remains one of the few areas not under evacuation orders or converted into Israeli buffer zones. Aid drops continue, but images show chaos and injury as people scramble for food.

Aerial footage highlights the destruction, with neighborhoods reduced to sand and debris. Many areas lack basic infrastructure and safety.

Israel says its military will operate while providing aid to civilians outside combat zones. The humanitarian outlook remains dire as fighting continues.

SOURCE: BBC News