For the first time since withdrawing troops and settlers nearly 20 years ago, Israel may be preparing to reoccupy Gaza, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's
government convenes a crucial security cabinet meeting today to decide the next phase of its war strategy. According to Israeli media, the high-stakes meeting was scheduled to begin at 6:00 pm local time (8:30 pm IST) on Thursday. The Times of Israel reported that a full reoccupation of Gaza is on the table — a move that would involve ground troops entering parts of the territory still standing, including areas where millions of displaced Palestinians have taken refuge. “A full reoccupation,” as Associated Press noted, “would mean sending ground troops into the few areas of Gaza that haven't been totally destroyed,” roughly 25 percent of the enclave. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz struck a firm tone Wednesday, saying that the military would “ultimately carry out the government’s decisions until all war objectives were achieved.” On Wednesday, the Israeli army issued new evacuation orders in both northern Gaza City and southern Khan Yunis. A military spokesperson said ground forces were preparing to “expand the scope of combat operations,” escalating fears of a fresh phase of fighting. The global response has been one of alarm. Humanitarian agencies have expressed deep concern over the spiralling crisis in Gaza, where UN officials continue to warn of famine, even as aid delivery sites are being targeted. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has stated that he wants the war to end and remaining hostages to return, but has so far refrained from publicly pressuring Israel. When asked Tuesday whether he would support an Israeli reoccupation of Gaza, he said, “It’s going to be pretty much up to Israel.” The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants stormed Israeli territory, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to official Israeli figures. In response, Israel launched a sweeping offensive that, according to Gaza health authorities, has since killed over 61,000 Palestinians. On Thursday alone, at least 20 people were reported dead in fresh airstrikes across the territory. (With inputs from agencies)
