Monday, 25 May 2026
Displaced Gazan children wait in line to receive food. Belal Khaled/Anadolu via Getty Images
Netanyahu approves full Gaza takeover to pressure Hamas on hostages
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorized a complete military takeover of the Gaza Strip in an effort to compel Hamas to release its hostages, local sources report.
According to the Jerusalem Post, this escalation would see Israeli forces—already in control of roughly 75% of Gaza—advance into the remaining areas and launch targeted operations in locations where hostages are thought to be held.
The decision reportedly bypassed Israel’s military chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, with Netanyahu instructing him to either comply or step down, as outlined in an internal memo.
Despite mounting domestic and international calls for a diplomatic resolution—amid increasing outrage over Gaza’s widespread hunger and concerns for the hostages’ safety—Netanyahu has opted to intensify the 21-month conflict.