Gaza Takeover Plan: 4-5 Month Focus on Gaza City and Strip Center

Israel’s Proposed Gaza Conquest Plan

Israel is reportedly preparing to approve a phased plan that could lead to the occupation of large areas in the Gaza Strip, potentially displacing around a million Palestinians over a period of four to five months. This development comes despite warnings from high-ranking military officials who argue that such an operation could endanger the lives of hostages currently held in those regions. The plan aims to weaken the Hamas organization and pressure it to release the remaining 50 hostages, with approximately 20 still alive.

The initial phase of the plan involves taking control of Gaza City and central camps, which would result in significant displacement of residents toward the Mawasi humanitarian zone in the south. According to reports, this move would be followed by an expansion of aid distribution centers in coordination with the United States. Channel 12 news reported that the first phase includes issuing evacuation orders for Gaza City's population, estimated at around one million people. This phase is expected to last several weeks, allowing for the establishment of essential civilian infrastructure like hospitals and shelters.

In the second phase, Israel would launch a military offensive, coinciding with a speech by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who is expected to announce accelerated humanitarian aid efforts. The U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, mentioned that there is a push to add 12 new aid sites to the existing four operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. This expansion, funded by approximately $1 billion from the U.S. and other countries, aims to provide aid directly to Gazans while bypassing Hamas.

Reports suggest that the military campaign could last between four and five months and involve multiple IDF divisions. Kan public broadcaster noted that the plan also includes expanding operations into central Gaza camps, where the IDF has limited presence so far. The civilian population would be further pushed toward the southern Mawasi zone, with efforts made to avoid harm to hostages believed to be in the area.

Egypt and Qatar, along with the U.S., have been pressuring Israel not to implement the plan while urging Hamas to resume negotiations. However, Israeli officials estimate the chances of Hamas returning to the negotiation table before the plan is approved as “almost zero.” Another goal of the plan is to align with a proposed U.S.-led framework for a comprehensive deal, although officials believe this is unlikely.

By the end of the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to seek a mandate to authorize himself and Defense Minister Israel Katz to make operational decisions. An alternative plan under consideration involves encircling Gaza City and central camps, blocking aid, and conducting pinpoint raids rather than full-scale conquest. However, this plan has reportedly been rejected by Netanyahu.

Despite concerns from military officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, who warned that occupying the Strip could lead to a prolonged conflict, the plan appears to be moving forward. Zamir expressed fears that such an operation could drag Israel into a years-long commitment, exposing soldiers to guerrilla warfare and jeopardizing hostages.

Meanwhile, tensions within the IDF leadership have surfaced, with disagreements among top brass over the reoccupation plan. Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, head of the IDF Southern Command, acknowledged internal conflicts but emphasized that these discussions are driven by the desire to ensure the security of the state.

Egypt’s foreign minister criticized the international community for its response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling the situation a “human tragedy” and accusing Israel of systematic genocide. The ongoing conflict began after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, which resulted in significant casualties and the capture of numerous hostages.

As the situation continues to evolve, the implications of Israel’s proposed plan remain a subject of intense debate, both domestically and internationally.