Tel Aviv, May 19, 2025 | ArtKerala.com News Desk  

In a controversial and bold declaration, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel will take complete control of Gaza and aims to totally eliminate Hamas’s capacity to rule and prevent the militant group from stealing the humanitarian assistance.

At a cabinet briefing on Sunday night, Netanyahu reinforced his long-standing policy that Hamas must be wiped out “down to the last tunnel” and that Israel is not able to risk Hamas taking back control of the war-ravaged territory.

 “We are not going to allow Hamas to continue to pillage aid to innocent civilians. Israel must exercise the security of all of Gaza,” Netanyahu stated.

The Bigger Picture: Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Netanyahu’s remarks come as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is getting worse as over 2.3 million people stuck in the region affected by the constant bombardment as well as blocked aid routes and the collapse of infrastructure.

International organizations, such as those of the United Nations and Red Cross, have notified the public that food, medical supplies as well as clean drinking water, are quickly being depleted. Allegations of Hamas interfering with aid convoys has caused the situation to become more complicated.

 “Aid should reach the people–not be weaponized or hijacked,” said an UN spokesperson.
( External Source: UN News on Gaza crisis)

Israel’s Strategic Shift: What It Means

Netanyahu’s plan signals a dramatic strategic shift. Instead of relying solely on temporary buffer zones, or even international troops, Israel seeks long-term military control over Gaza’s border and coastal regions and possibly even its own governance.

Analysts have suggested that this could result in:

•   A continuous Israeli police presence within Gaza

•   The end of Hamas’s control over logistics over local distribution of aid

•   International scrutiny intensified and the possibility of global diplomatic repercussions

Reactions From the Ground and Beyond

Palestinian Officials:

Palestinian Authority leaders have rejected Netanyahu’s comments and branded the remarks “a dangerous attempt to annex Gaza by force.”

International Community:

Nations such as Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey have called for a halt to the violence in the face of any long-term occupation could be in violation of laws of the international community and further weaken the region.

Israeli Public:

While a portion of the Israeli population supports the hardline position but a growing number people and advocacy groups are concerned about an endless conflict without peace agreement.

 What’s Next?

As the war between Israel and Hamas is entering a new tense stage Netanyahu’s remarks show there is no sign of a an end to the conflict. Discussions on ceasefire have almost collapsed, and the aid corridors remain dangerous for workers working internationally.

The international community is left with the question:
Can peace be achieved under total military control? Or does it only fuel further opposition?

Key Takeaways:

•   Netanyahu declares that Israel will take control of Gaza in order to end Hamas’s sway over aid.

•   Humanitarian organizations warn of an increase in crisis due to limited aid.

•   The move has sparked international diplomatic concern and fears of an extended occupation.

•   Hamas continues to fight, while civilians suffer under the fire of the crossfire.

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