Netanyahu approves plan to fully occupy Gaza Strip, force Hamas to release hostages
The expansion of the war would see the military, which already controls about 75% of Gaza, take over the remaining areas and conduct operations where the hostages are believed to be held, the Jerusalem Post reported.
The move was reportedly made without the input of the Israeli military's chief of staff Eyal Zamir — with Netanyahu instructing him to fall in line or resign, according to the internal memo sent out.
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4 The family of 24-year-old hostage Evyatar David released a second Hamas propaganda video on Saturday showing him in visibly dire physical condition, a day after Hamas published what it claimed was a sign of life from the captive.
Al-Qassam Brigade Footage
4 This screengrab from a video released on July 31 by Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad shows a hostage, identified as Rom Braslavski by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
4 Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel, speaks during a meeting on July31, 2025.
ZUMAPRESS.com
4 The Post's front cover on the plight of Evyatar David.
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The decision to escalate the 21-month war comes despite calls from within Israel and around the world to find a diplomatic end to the fighting — with growing backlash over widespread hunger in Gaza and concern for the safety of the hostages.
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