Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo : Net.
TEL AVIV, JAKTIMES.COM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the military to immediately occupy Gaza City. The instruction was delivered on Wednesday night (August 20), despite ongoing international mediation efforts pushing for a ceasefire.
In a post on platform X, Netanyahu’s office stated that the order came with instructions to accelerate the “timeline to capture Hamas strongholds” and defeat the Palestinian resistance group.
The move came just hours after Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant approved the mobilization of 60,000 reserve troops under the military operation named Gideon’s Chariots 2.
Follow-Up Operation in Gaza
Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the Israeli Security Cabinet is set to meet on Thursday to approve the plan for a full occupation of Gaza. Meanwhile, Channel 14 reported that Israeli forces were already operating on the outskirts of Gaza City, including in the Zeitoun and Jabalia neighborhoods.
The 98th Division is expected to be redeployed, bringing the total to five divisions ready to take part in a major ground offensive.
Previously, Israel’s May offensive failed to achieve its primary objectives: dismantling Hamas and freeing all hostages. Nevertheless, the Israeli military claimed it had taken control of 75 percent of Gaza’s territory.
Ignoring Ceasefire Proposal
Netanyahu’s decision comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. Hamas had already agreed to a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire, a prisoner exchange, and increased humanitarian aid. However, Israel has yet to respond more than 48 hours after the proposal was submitted.
“For Netanyahu, occupying Gaza could be a way to pressure Hamas into accepting Israel’s conditions, ranging from disarmament and the exile of its leaders to exclusion from any future governance,” Yedioth Ahronoth reported, as quoted by Jaktimes.com from Anadolu (21/08/2025).
Netanyahu himself stressed, “Israel’s policy has not changed; we demand the release of all 50 hostages.”
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Since October 2023, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed more than 62,100 Palestinians. The offensive has devastated infrastructure, trapped millions in famine, and left humanitarian aid unable to meet even basic needs.
Israel is now facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The International Criminal Court (ICC) has also issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the world awaits the Israeli Security Cabinet’s decision: continue negotiations or launch a full-scale invasion into the heart of Gaza City (AA/Jaktimes).