Overview

• The Security Cabinet voted on August 8 to authorise the IDF to capture Gaza City as a prelude to wider operations across the Gaza Strip to dismantle Hamas
• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will establish a security perimeter before handing Gaza’s governance to friendly Arab forces rather than occupy permanently
• The approved plan includes setting up evacuation corridors and distributing humanitarian aid outside combat zones to ease civilian suffering
• IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned that a ground takeover could endanger around 20 hostages still believed alive in Gaza City and further strain military resources
• Families of the remaining hostages and domestic critics have protested the escalation, fearing it may jeopardise rescue negotiations