Israel Considers Full Gaza Occupation Amid Hostage Crisis and Hamas Refusal

Israel is considering a full-scale occupation of the Gaza Strip after Hamas refused to release the hostages it holds. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that if immediate action isn’t taken, the hostages face starvation, and Gaza will remain under Hamas control. The decision, communicated to Israeli media, awaits cabinet approval scheduled for Tuesday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, reportedly opposes a complete takeover, favoring a siege of Gaza City and Hamas strongholds where the 20 known hostages are held, to minimize harm to them. However, a senior government source revealed that Netanyahu’s office has decided on an occupation strategy, citing Hamas’s demands for unconditional surrender as unacceptable. This development follows distressing videos released by Hamas showing two starving Israeli captives, Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David, fueling public outrage and protests across Israel. Some demonstrators demand a military end to the conflict to secure the hostages' release, while others advocate for escalating military efforts. In private discussions, Netanyahu has used the term “occupy” in conversations with certain cabin...