Occupation of Gaza: Israeli cabinet approves Gaza control plan with controversial hostage strategy

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi

After ten hours of tense debate marked by shouting and even physical altercations, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir failed to persuade cabinet ministers to reverse their decision to occupy Gaza. 

At 4 a.m. Friday, he announced his approval of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to occupy the enclave. The decision will take effect immediately, tasking the Israeli army, which had opposed the move, with mobilizing six divisions to carry out the operation by October 7. 

The plan's objective is to forcibly transfer one million Palestinians from northern Gaza to the Al-Mawasi area and the Netzarim Corridor, impose Israeli control over Gaza City and central refugee camps, and target what Israel calls Hamas' "leadership district" in central Gaza.

Current projections estimate fighting will last up to two years, but military assessments warn that if the conflict escalates into a full-scale war, it could continue for as long as five years. 

During this period, the army will pursue five main goals set by the cabinet: disarming Hamas, returning all hostages dead or alive, enforcing Israeli security control over Gaza, and establishing an alternative civilian administration that excludes both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

The decision drew fierce criticism from the opposition, which accused the government of leading Israel into a dangerous abyss. Families of hostages called it a death sentence for their loved ones. 

Netanyahu, aware of the domestic and international repercussions, issued a carefully worded statement after the meeting that avoided the term "occupation," instead describing the plan as "control" over Gaza. 

Many Israelis saw this as an attempt to avoid the legal responsibilities of an occupying power under international law.

Despite the risks to the lives of 20 hostages and the likelihood of hundreds of Israeli soldiers being killed or wounded, only 57% of Israelis support a comprehensive agreement to secure the hostages' release, end the war, and withdraw from Gaza. 

However, 30% believe Israel should continue the war and occupy the territory even if it means the death of all hostages, while 13% remain undecided.