As Netanyahu defends Israel’s Gaza takeover plans, here’s what we know

Despite Netanyahu’s denial of any “policy of starvation”, hospitals and aid groups report dire conditions. At least 31 Palestinians were killed near food distribution points in recent days. UN humanitarian officials told the Security Council that Gaza is now experiencing “starvation” and conditions “beyond horrific”.

Hamas has warned of  resistance and accused Israel of undermining ceasefire talks.

International reactions

• UN human rights chief Volker Türk warned the takeover could cause massive forced displacement and “atrocity crimes”, violating ICJ rulings.

• Germany suspended all military exports usable in Gaza, while still backing Israel’s right to self-defence.

• EU Council President Antonio Costa said the move breaches an EU-brokered understanding and that it “must have consequences for EU-Israel relations”.

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• Australia announced it will recognise the State of Palestine at the UN General Assembly next month, joining France, Britain, and Canada, and making recognition conditional on Hamas having no role in governance.

• Protests in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities are calling for ceasefire talks over further military escalation.

The strategy behind

The Gaza City takeover plan, approved by Israel’s Security Cabinet some days before, forms part of a broader military objective to dismantle Hamas, prevent future attacks, and ensure long-term Israeli security control. The strategy includes:

• Targeted dismantling of Hamas strongholds in urban centres, refugee camps, and coastal zones.

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• Retaining overriding Israeli security authority while appointing a non-Hamas, non-Palestinian Authority civilian administration.

• Establishing a security buffer around Gaza without formally annexing it.

Israeli leaders frame the operation as the only way to eliminate Hamas’s military threat, but humanitarian organisations and the UN warn it will uproot hundreds of thousands of civilians, many already displaced multiple times, with devastating consequences for Gaza’s fragile infrastructure and aid access.

Since the conflict reignited in late 2023, civilian suffering has increased with shortages of food, water, medicine, and shelter, as well as repeated strikes on areas previously designated as safe.

Australia’s recognition of Palestine, following recent moves by European allies, is part of a growing international push for a two‑state solution. Israel’s ambassador to Australia warned the decision could harm security and complicate hostage negotiations.

(With inputs from CNN, AP, Reuters)

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