Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel intends to take full control of the Gaza Strip.

Netanyahu’s push for a full military takeover of Gaza has drawn sharp condemnation, with critics accusing him of escalating the war for political survival at the expense of civilian lives and hostage safety. Human rights groups warn the move would deepen the humanitarian catastrophe, violate international law, and risk mass displacement of Palestinians already on the brink of famine. Detractors say his strategy ignores viable alternatives, fuels further instability, and prioritizes personal and political interests over peace and the protection of both Israeli and Palestinian civilians.

The war has displaced most of Gaza’s population, with UN experts warning of famine and the WHO reporting record child malnutrition in July. Since the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages, Israel’s offensive has killed over 61,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

US President Donald Trump said the decision was “up to Israel,” while ceasefire talks remain stalled.