Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly decided to proceed with a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip, according to several Israeli media outlets including Channel 12, i24NEWS, Ynet, and The Jerusalem Post. The decision, which is expected to be approved by his war cabinet, signals a major escalation in Israel’s military campaign, with operations planned across the entire enclave — including areas believed to be holding Hamas captives.

A senior official from Netanyahu’s office, quoted anonymously by Channel 12, reportedly said: “The decision has been made. Hamas won’t release more hostages without total surrender, and we won’t surrender.” Netanyahu, who faces growing domestic and international pressure, reiterated on Monday that the war's objectives remain unchanged — to dismantle Hamas, free the remaining captives, and ensure Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the reported plans, urging the international community to act swiftly to prevent further escalation. In a statement, the ministry warned that these plans — whether serious or tactical — threaten to deepen the humanitarian crisis and amount to a continuation of what it described as a war of "extermination and starvation."

Since the conflict reignited in October 2023, over 60,930 Palestinians, including at least 18,430 children, have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities. Meanwhile, 49 hostages remain in captivity, with 27 believed to have died, according to Israeli officials. Senior Hamas leader Osama Hamdan accused Netanyahu’s government of evading a ceasefire and placing the lives of the captives at risk through continued military escalation.