Israel to Seize Gaza City, Stopping Short of Full Takeover

Israeli Cabinet Approves Netanyahu's Gaza Takeover Plan

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By Dan Williams and Galit Altstein

August 8, 2025 at 5:15 AM EDT

Updated on

August 8, 2025 at 9:19 AM EDT

Israel said it will take control of Gaza City — a move that could displace 1 million Palestinians living there — defying domestic concerns over the fate of the remaining hostages and an international outcry over the humanitarian situation in the enclave.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved the operation early Friday for the purpose of “defeating Hamas” after 22 months of fighting that’s killed tens of thousands of Gazans and sparked UN famine warnings. The decision stopped short of the full takeover that Netanyahu floated in an interview with Fox News on Thursday.