Military leader of Israel warns against complete annexation of Gaza: media claims

The Israeli government is set to discuss the potential full occupation of the Gaza Strip in a meeting of the Israeli Security Cabinet scheduled for Thursday. This decision comes amidst ongoing conflict in the region, with much of the Gaza Strip still in ruins from a war that started almost two years ago.

According to reports, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a full takeover of the Gaza Strip. This move has raised concerns from various quarters, with opposition leader Yair Lapid warning against such an occupation. Lapid stated that occupying Gaza is a bad idea operationally, morally, and economically.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, has also expressed concern over this potential plan. Zamir warned that a full occupation of Gaza could be likened to "walking into a trap." Zamir's concerns are rooted in the potential harm to remaining hostages if Israel were to push into areas not already under Israeli control. As of now, Hamas and fellow Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad are still holding 50 Israeli hostages, with about 20 believed to be alive.

Netanyahu's office stated that the prime minister and Zamir held a three-hour "limited security discussion" about options for continuing the campaign in Gaza, but no further details were shared. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, who has approved the army's plan for taking Gaza City, will also be present at the meeting.

The Israeli public does not want a full occupation of Gaza, according to Lapid. Netanyahu, however, has not publicly commented on the reports of a full Gaza takeover. The prime minister is under international pressure to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the IDF has called for evacuations in parts of Gaza City and Khan Yunis, preparing to expand combat operations. The UN and international aid organizations insist that more food aid must be allowed into Gaza due to a severe lack of it. The destruction of the Gaza Strip's basic infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and mosques, has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Over 1,200 people were killed in the war, and more than 250 were taken hostage. The ongoing conflict has left the people of Gaza in dire straits, with no end in sight. The Israeli Security Cabinet's decision on Thursday will likely have far-reaching implications for the future of the Gaza Strip and the people who call it home.

Military leader of Israel warns against complete annexation of Gaza: media claims