Israel to assume full control of Gaza Strip as IDF intensifies offensive

Tel Aviv: Israel will assume full control of the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Monday, marking a major escalation in the country’s months-long campaign against Hamas and signalling what critics fear could be a long-term occupation of the battered Palestinian enclave,  reports Dynamite News correspondent.

In a video message posted on Telegram, Netanyahu stated: “We are going to take control of the entire territory of the enclave—that is what we are going to do.” The remarks came as Israeli forces have intensified their efforts against the UN-designated-terror group in a new offensive — codenamed Gideon’s Chariots, which is aimed at dismantling Hamas’ remaining infrastructure and rescuing the 58 hostages still held in Gaza, reported Bloomberg.

Since 7 October 2023, when a Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel left around 1,200 people dead and more than 250 taken hostage, Israel has launched a relentless military campaign that has flattened much of Gaza and killed more than 53,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities.

The UN and international humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned of looming famine, mass displacement, and the collapse of essential services in the enclave, where 2.2 million people live under siege.

Netanyahu’s pledge of total control follows growing criticism from allies and human rights groups over Israel’s tactics, including the total blockade of aid into Gaza since early March. That blockade — cutting off food, fuel and medical supplies — was part of an effort to force Hamas into a hostage deal, but has also deepened the humanitarian catastrophe.

Facing mounting international pressure, Netanyahu said Israel would now allow only “minimal and basic” aid to resume for a limited time. “To achieve victory, we need to somehow solve the problem (of hunger),” he said.

He added that a new aid mechanism was being developed jointly with the United States, involving delivery points in IDF-controlled “sterile zones,” where aid would be distributed by American companies under strict oversight to prevent access by Hamas.

The IDF has also issued evacuation orders for civilians in Khan Younis and surrounding areas, in preparation for a wider ground assault. Tanks and troops are poised to enter parts of the Strip not yet under Israeli control, raising fears of a further surge in civilian casualties.

The offensive has already drawn sharp criticism from Arab states and European governments, many of whom have urged restraint and warned that continued escalation could torpedo fragile ceasefire talks, with analysts fearing a further deterioration of socio-political-economic stability in the region, and further exacerbate the ongoing Palestinian humanitarian crisis.

Netanyahu’s statement signals a hardening of Israel’s position, even as diplomatic efforts — led by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar — continue to seek a ceasefire and hostage release deal. Reportedly, Israel may be open to a proposal that would see the release of around 10 hostages in exchange for a temporary truce lasting six to eight weeks.

For months, negotiations have stalled over key sticking points: Hamas demands a permanent end to hostilities and a full Israeli withdrawal, while Israel insists on the release of all remaining hostages and the total dismantling of Hamas’ military and governing infrastructure. However, no attempts have been successful so far, as the IDF further continues to advance its attacks against the terrorist organisation