** Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened a security cabinet meeting today to vote on a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip. The proposal faces opposition from political rivals, military reservists, and families of hostages held in Gaza.
According to Palestinian authorities, the war’s death toll has reached 61,158 Palestinians killed and 151,442 injured, including 1,655 children. Injuries among civilians seeking aid and food have surged to 11,800, with 193 deaths from starvation—96 of them children.
A European Commission spokesperson addressed the crisis, stating: “The EU has been unequivocal: civilian killings in Gaza are indefensible. Whether this constitutes genocide is for international courts to determine.” The remarks followed Spanish Deputy PM Teresa Ribera’s assertion that events “bear strong resemblance” to genocide. The spokesperson added that while Israel has made “partial progress” on aid delivery agreements, the situation remains “extremely difficult,” citing insufficient aid trucks and the EU’s lack of access to Gaza.
IDF Chief Warns of “Black Hole”**
Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir declared at a General Staff forum: “Dissenting perspectives are integral to Israel’s history and the IDF’s organizational culture. We will voice our positions without fear—objectively, independently, and professionally. We focus not on theories but on human lives and Israel’s defense. Only the state’s security guides us.” This marks Zamir’s first public statement since clashing with political leadership over Gaza occupation plans. He is expected to caution the security cabinet that occupation without a clear post-conflict strategy could “complicate the situation,” having privately warned colleagues that conquering Gaza would “drag Israel into a black hole.”
Military plans involve encircling Gaza City and central camps to isolate combat zones, followed by massive firepower, targeted troop entries, and trap avoidance.
Netanyahu’s 5-Month Occupation Blueprint**
Ahead of the 1800 GMT cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Channel 12 revealed details of Netanyahu’s proposed phased military campaign lasting 4-5 months. The IDF would first seize Gaza City, displacing approximately one million residents (half of Gaza’s population). A weeks-long logistical operation would establish temporary infrastructure for evacuees alongside large-scale aid delivery.
Latest Casualties**
Palestinian agency WAFA reports 22 civilians killed or wounded by Israeli forces between midnight and this morning. Five victims were searching for food in Deir al-Balah when struck.