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LIVE news: Israel security cabinet approves Netanyahu plan to occupy Gaza City
'The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will prepare for the takeover of Gaza City while ensuring the provision of humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones,' the office stated after a lengthy security cabinet meeting that continued late into the night.
Mass protests broke out across Israel as the cabinet met to decide on a full reoccupation of Gaza, a step that would represent a significant escalation of the conflict. Despite international pressure, resistance from the Israeli military, and domestic concerns that the operation could jeopardise hostages, Netanyahu has pressed for a complete takeover of the blockaded enclave nearly two years into the war.
Details of the plan have not been disclosed, but the Prime Minister's Office said 'an overwhelming majority of cabinet ministers believed that the alternative plan presented would neither achieve Hamas's defeat nor bring back the hostages.'
In an interview with Fox News shortly before the meeting, Netanyahu was asked whether Israel intended to take military control of all of Gaza.
'We intend to,' Netanyahu replied. He said Israel's objective was to 'remove Hamas' from Gaza before transferring the territory to 'civilian governance that is not Hamas, and not anyone advocating the destruction of Israel.'
The Security Cabinet, approved the decision, began meeting on Thursday evening and stretched into the night, according to Israeli media. Israel's military chief of staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir had warned against occupying Gaza, saying it would endanger the hostages and put further strain on the military after nearly two years of war, according to Israeli media reports.
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