Israeli officials announced on Monday evening that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to proceed with the full military occupation of the Gaza Strip, expanding operations against the Hamas movement. The move reportedly comes with a green light from the United States, specifically targeting areas believed to be holding prisoners of war, according to Hebrew media sources.
Channel 12, a private Israeli outlet, quoted unnamed officials from Netanyahu’s office stating:
“The decision has been made — Israel will occupy the Gaza Strip.”
The same officials declared:
“Hamas will not release any more hostages without total surrender — and we will not surrender.”
Channel 12 added that this dramatic decision means Israeli soldiers will now engage in combat within areas that had previously been off-limits in recent months, including the central refugee camps of the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Israel’s state broadcaster also reported—citing ministers who spoke directly with Netanyahu—that he has resolved to expand the scope of the military operation in Gaza, despite internal disagreements with the security establishment.
According to the broadcaster:
“In his discussions with several ministers, Netanyahu used the phrase: ‘occupy the Strip in order to defeat Hamas.’”
In parallel, the Hebrew daily Yedioth Ahronoth quoted senior figures within Netanyahu’s circle confirming:
“We are moving toward full occupation of the Gaza Strip.”
They further revealed that military operations are planned in areas where captives are believed to be held.
The newspaper also reported, citing unnamed sources, that U.S. President Donald Trump has given Netanyahu the green light to launch expanded military operations against Hamas.
They claimed there is a mutual understanding between Israeli and U.S. leadership that Hamas has no real interest in reaching a political agreement.
