DUBLIN,Ireland Aug 5-Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to formally propose the full military reoccupation of the Gaza Strip, a decision that would mark a dramatic escalation in Israel’s war with Hamas and deepen international concern over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the enclave.
A senior official in the Prime Minister’s Office told The Jerusalem Post on Monday that “the die has been cast,” and that Netanyahu is committed to the “full conquest of Gaza and the defeat of Hamas,” including military operations in areas where hostages are believed to be held.
Netanyahu is set to convene a high-level meeting with his security cabinet this week to present the plan and discuss options for a possible hostage deal. According to an Israeli official, all scenarios are being considered, even as negotiations with Hamas have recently collapsed.
The official also confirmed that US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has returned to Washington to brief the president. “There is a broad consensus that any deal must include the return of all hostages,” the source said.
The move toward reoccupying Gaza has reportedly sparked sharp disagreements within Israel’s military leadership. Some senior commanders, including the army chief of staff, are said to be opposed to the plan. However, Netanyahu’s office has dismissed such objections.
The renewed push for military action has alarmed families of hostages still believed to be alive in Gaza. Of the roughly 50 hostages still unaccounted for, only 20 are thought to be alive. Families worry that an all-out assault on Gaza could jeopardize the lives of their loved ones.
Polls also suggest growing public skepticism toward the government’s military strategy. Roughly three in four Israelis now favor a ceasefire deal that would prioritize the hostages’ return, over expanding the war.
The reoccupation plan comes as Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsens. Over 90% of Gaza’s 2.1 million people have been displaced, many multiple times, and are living in squalid, overcrowded conditions with limited access to food, water, and medical aid.
While Israel announced this week that it would allow some private imports—including baby food, hygiene supplies, and fresh produce—for the first time in months, humanitarian organizations accuse the Israeli government of deliberately restricting aid, worsening the suffering of civilians.
The UN and global relief agencies say many Gazans are starving, and aid groups are struggling to operate. It remains unclear how a full occupation would impact their ability to deliver assistance.
Israel’s hardening stance follows the release of three disturbing videos by Palestinian armed groups showing Israeli hostages weak, emaciated, and traumatized. One hostage, Evyatar David, is seen digging what he claims is his own grave inside a Hamas tunnel. His condition was described as skeletal by his family.
The footage, including that of Rom Blaslavski, taken during the October 7 Nova music festival attack, has reignited public outrage and added pressure on the government to act.
Analysts speculate that the timing of Netanyahu’s announcement may be intended to pressure Hamas into restarting negotiations.
Any move to reoccupy Gaza is likely to face strong condemnation from the international community, including Israel’s allies, who have been urging a halt to the fighting and renewed focus on diplomacy.
