Gaza City Takeover Plan Sparks Palestinian Defiance, Israeli Anger/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel’s plan to seize Gaza City has been met with fierce resistance from Palestinians and deep division among Israelis. Critics fear the move could endanger remaining hostages and worsen an already dire humanitarian crisis. Prime Minister Netanyahu insists military pressure is vital to defeating Hamas and returning captives.
Gaza City Offensive Quick Looks
- Netanyahu vows to take over Gaza City to destroy Hamas.
- Palestinians resist amid widespread destruction and humanitarian collapse.
- Israeli families of hostages fear for captives’ lives.
- Critics warn military push may fail to change battlefield reality.
- Hamas declares residents will “remain defiant against occupation.”
- Casualties exceed 61,000 Palestinians killed, half women and children.
- Hostage crisis still unresolved nearly two years into war.
Gaza City Takeover Plan Sparks Palestinian Defiance, Israeli Anger
Deep Look
Israel’s announcement that it will move to seize Gaza City has triggered defiance among Palestinians and deep unease within Israel, as the war with Hamas nears its two-year mark. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the move as a critical step toward dismantling Hamas and securing the release of hostages, but many see it as a dangerous gamble.
On Friday, Netanyahu declared that the Israel Defense Forces will intensify their operations, targeting Gaza City — much of which has already been devastated by previous airstrikes and ground incursions. The decision signals a new phase in a 22-month campaign that has displaced millions, destroyed infrastructure, and left Gaza on the brink of total collapse.
Palestinian Defiance Amid Destruction
In the city’s rubble-strewn streets and makeshift camps, residents say there is nothing left to “occupy.” Umm Youssef, a local woman, described daily struggles for basics like drinking water, walking over 15 minutes each day to find it. Others say they have nowhere else to go.
“I will die here,” said Kamel Abu Nahel of Shati refugee camp, rejecting the idea of leaving his home. Similar resolve was voiced by Ismail Zaydah, who declared, “We are not surrendering… We were born here, and here we die.”
Despite heavy losses, Hamas issued a statement vowing continued resistance, warning that any incursion “will not be a walk in the park.” The militant group has withstood repeated Israeli offensives, including earlier ground operations in Gaza City itself.
Humanitarian Crisis at Breaking Point
Israel already controls about 75% of Gaza’s territory. The Gaza Health Ministry, part of the Hamas-run administration but considered by the UN a reliable casualty source, reports over 61,000 Palestinians killed since the war began — roughly half women and children. Israel disputes the figures but acknowledges heavy civilian losses.
Hundreds of thousands remain trapped in Gaza City and nearby areas like Deir al-Balah, along with sprawling displacement camps along the coast in Muwasi. Aid agencies warn that further fighting could collapse what remains of Gaza’s humanitarian network, cutting off access to food, water, and medicine.
Hostages at the Center of Debate
The October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack that triggered the war killed about 1,200 people in Israel and led to the abduction of 251 hostages. Most have since been freed through negotiated exchanges or ceasefires, but around 50 remain in Gaza — fewer than half believed alive.
Families of hostages have repeatedly protested to demand a negotiated ceasefire to secure their release. Some fear the Gaza City assault will seal their loved ones’ fate.
Ruby Chen, whose son Itay is held in Gaza, questioned the wisdom of Netanyahu’s plan: “What is the plan now that is different from the last 22 months?” Yehuda Cohen, father of hostage Nimrod, called Netanyahu a “madman” and criticized U.S. President Donald Trump for allowing the offensive to proceed unchecked.
A Nation Divided
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert condemned the move, saying no military objective justifies the risk to hostages, soldiers, and civilians. Many retired security officials share his concerns. But some Israelis argue the offensive is necessary.
Tel Aviv resident Susan Makin said, “They need to go after Hamas. Why are they not asking why Hamas has not given back the hostages?”
The emotional stakes have been heightened by militant-released videos showing hostages appearing emaciated and begging for help, stoking fears they may not survive much longer.
Military Risks and Strategy
Amir Avivi, a retired Israeli general, acknowledged that a few hostages are likely in Gaza City and that the army will need to decide whether to negotiate directly with their captors or avoid those areas entirely. Either approach is fraught with danger.
Past rescue attempts have ended in tragedy — last year, Israeli forces found the bodies of six hostages killed by their captors when troops approached the tunnel where they were held.
Netanyahu’s Long-Term Vision
Netanyahu insists the only path to victory is sustained military pressure. In a recent Fox News interview, he said Israel intends to eventually control all of Gaza before handing administration over to a “friendly” Arab civilian authority.
Whether such a plan is realistic remains uncertain. Hamas’s survival through nearly two years of siege and assault underscores the challenge Israel faces, while the humanitarian and political costs of continuing the war mount by the day.
For Palestinians in Gaza City, many say the choice has already been made — to remain where they are, no matter what comes. For Israelis, the decision reflects a nation torn between the desire to end the war decisively and the fear that doing so could come at an unbearable human cost.
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