08/20/2025August 20, 2025
Gaza City takeover plan approved by Defense Ministry: reports
Israel’s military leadership has signed off on a preliminary plan to take over Gaza City, according to officials speaking off the record to Israeli and international media.
The plan has been approved by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, the Defense Ministry told the AFP news agency.
The start date of the operation is currently unclear. However, an unnamed Israeli military official told AP news agency that the operation will be in parts of Gaza City where the Israeli military has not yet operated and where Hamas is still active.
Israeli troops are currently operating in the Zeitoun and Jabaliya neighborhoods of Gaza City to prepare for the expanded operation, the official said.
The official added that the plan will proceed to final approval now that the military has signed off.
The preliminary approval comes weeks after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel planned to completely take over Gaza City, with the objective of eliminating the threat of Hamas militants and recovering the remaining hostages who were abducted in the .
It comes after Hamas said it had accepted a new ceasefire proposal yesterday. However, Israel has not yet provided an official response to the proposal.
Plans for a full takeover of the Gaza Strip had earlier from Israeli armed forces Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, who to the framework plan last week.
Humanitarian organizations are warning of living in Gaza’s most densely populated area.
The plan has also by countries like UK, Germany, Italy, Australia, New Zealand.
Israel’s military says Gaza City is Hamas’ main stronghold, and the militant group is still actively regrouping and carrying out attacks.
Israel, Germany, the United States and several other countries designate Hamas a terrorist organization.
The post Middle East: Israel’s Gaza offensive nears final approval appeared first on Deutsche Welle.
