Bordered by Israel and Egypt, the Gaza Strip is grappling with dire circumstances, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sanctioned full control over Gaza. This move potentially jeopardizes the ongoing ceasefire talks with Hamas.
According to Israeli media, the cabinet has approved Netanyahu's plan for full control over Gaza. Several ministers in his cabinet have mentioned that Netanyahu privately used the term 'occupation of Gaza', suggesting a decisive stance towards Gaza.
Furthermore, Netanyahu has issued explicit orders to dismantle Hamas's military infrastructure in Gaza. In April 2025, he directed the Golani Brigade to obliterate the remaining Hamas outposts in Rafah, Beit Hanoun, and Beit Lahia.
The Israeli military claims that they have gained control over about 70% of Gaza. Special task forces, like the Golani Brigade, have been assigned to neutralize Hamas's weapons and tunnels. Netanyahu aims to dismantle Hamas militarily and administratively, emphasizing Gaza's demilitarization and Hamas's complete eradication as his priorities.
Netanyahu's Ambitions Hinder Ceasefire Talks
In May 2025, Hamas agreed to a ceasefire proposal by American mediator Steve Witkoff, which included negotiations for a 70-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of 10 hostages. However, Netanyahu rejected this, asserting that a ceasefire is only viable if Hamas disarms entirely and relinquishes control over Gaza.
In July 2025, Netanyahu stated that for a ceasefire, Hamas must abandon its military capabilities—a condition Hamas rejected, making any substantial ceasefire agreement impossible post-March 2025.
Despite mediation efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, ceasefire discussions have repeatedly stalled. Additionally, talks about Hamas's weaponry faltered. Hamas has stockpiled rockets and arms within Gaza’s tunnels, including those sourced from Iran. Israel claims that Hamas uses these weapons to shield civilians, complicating the conflict.
The Israeli military has launched extensive operations to obliterate weapon depots and tunnels in Rafah and other regions. Recently, the Golani Brigade seized multiple arms caches and destroyed terrorist hideouts. Indeed, Hamas receives weapons, training, and economic support from Iran, Hezbollah, and Qatar, which Israel believes fuels violence in Gaza.
April 2025:
Golani Brigade deployed to target Hamas positions in Rafah, Beit Hanoun, and Beit Lahia.
May 2025:
Ceasefire proposal involving hostages is accepted by Hamas but rejected by Netanyahu pending full disarmament.
July 2025:
