Amid strong backlash against Israel’s security cabinet decision to fully take control of Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “We are not going to occupy Gaza — we are going to liberate Gaza from Hamas.”
We are not going to occupy Gaza – we are going to free Gaza from Hamas.
Gaza will be demilitarized, and a peaceful civilian administration will be established, one that is not the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas, and not any other terrorist organization.
This will help free…
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) August 8, 2025
On Thursday, after Israel’s Cabinet approved Prime Minister Netanyahu’s plan, Germany—a key European ally—announced it would halt exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza. Meanwhile, the UK and other European nations urged Israel to reconsider escalating its military operations in the region.
Israel revealed intentions to intensify its ongoing conflict with Hamas, targeting control over Gaza City. According to AFP, a source familiar with the plan said the operation would proceed “gradually,” though no exact timeline has been provided.
Following the decision, Netanyahu’s office announced that the Cabinet had agreed on “five principles” to guide the campaign. These include the demilitarization of Gaza and the establishment of a new civil administration, excluding both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
The approved strategy, aimed at dismantling Hamas, involves the Israeli military preparing to take over Gaza City while ensuring humanitarian aid reaches civilians in areas away from active fighting, the Prime Minister’s office said in a statement on Friday.