Israel Plans Gaza City Occupation, Arab Transfer Later

Israel's security cabinet has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to occupy Gaza City, escalating the conflict with Hamas. The plan is built on five principles: disarming Hamas, returning all remaining hostages, demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, establishing Israeli security control, and forming a civil administration independent of Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. Netanyahu has indicated that Israel does not intend long-term governance of Gaza and plans to transfer control to Arab forces once objectives are achieved. The military campaign is expected to displace up to half of Gaza's population and could last several months. Despite promises of humanitarian aid to civilians outside combat zones, aid agencies warn of worsening crisis and possible famine. The plan faces internal and international criticism, especially over humanitarian risks and threats to hostages.