Israel’s security cabinet has approved a comprehensive plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, aligning with Prime Minister Netanyahu’s strategy to defeat Hamas. The plan includes the disarmament of Hamas, full Israeli security control over Gaza, release of remaining hostages, and the establishment of an alternative civilian government in Gaza. While most ministers support the plan, IDF’s chief reportedly warned it could lead to a humanitarian disaster and endanger hostages. Gaza City and surrounding areas remain partially under Hamas control.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revealed plans to take control of Gaza, but claims the goal is not long-term governance. Speaking to Fox News, he said, “Our objective is to remove Hamas, ensure Israel’s security, and hand over Gaza to a non-Hamas local civil administration with support from regional Arab partners.”

He reiterated that Israel’s aim is not occupation but liberation from Hamas’ rule, allowing a new administration that does not pose a threat to Israel’s existence.

As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pushes for the "complete conquest" of Gaza, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Yaal Zamir has warned that such a move could entrap Israeli forces in hostile enclaves and endanger remaining hostages. In a recent meeting, Zamir advised focusing on encircling key zones where hostages might be held, instead of deeper incursions into central Gaza. He noted that the army is already struggling with burnout and losses among reserve troops. Despite political pressure from far-right leaders, Zamir emphasized adherence to strategic caution. The military claims it currently controls around 75% of Gaza.

US President Donald Trump indicated he would not prevent Israel from taking full control of the Gaza Strip, leaving the decision to Israel. Trump emphasized his primary concern is the food situation in Gaza amid ongoing conflict. Since October 2023, US military aid to Israel has increased significantly. Israel has turned 86% of Gaza into a military zone, forcing Palestinians into crowded areas. The UN warns that a full takeover could have disastrous consequences, stressing Gaza’s importance as part of a future Palestinian state.

More than 22,000 humanitarian aid trucks are stranded at the Egypt and Jordan borders, unable to enter the blockaded Gaza Strip due to Israeli restrictions. Gaza’s official media office accuses Israel of deliberately preventing aid deliveries as part of a systematic campaign of hunger, blockade, and chaos. The situation is described as a full-scale war crime violating international law and worsening the humanitarian disaster. Immediate reopening of border crossings and unconditional entry of aid trucks is urgently demanded.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly ready to order a full military takeover of the Gaza Strip, despite opposition from senior Israeli Defense Forces officials. Media reports suggest Netanyahu used the term “takeover” during internal discussions, with plans to expand operations even in areas holding hostages. IDF leadership has expressed concerns, warning it could take years to dismantle Hamas and might endanger hostages. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has condemned the plan and urged international intervention to prevent further escalation.

More than 600 former Israeli security chiefs, including ex-leaders of Mossad, Shin Bet, and the military, have urged U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene and help end the ongoing Gaza war. In a letter shared by the Commanders for Israel’s Security (CIS), they stressed that military action has already achieved its goals except for the return of hostages—which requires a deal. They believe Trump’s credibility hinges on his ability to pressure Netanyahu to pursue a peaceful resolution.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued a provocative statement threatening full Israeli control over Al-Aqsa Mosque and the West Bank. Marking the Jewish day of mourning, Tisha B’Av, Katz wrote that the Western Wall and Temple Mount are "once again under complete Israeli sovereignty." His comments have drawn sharp condemnation, especially from Saudi Arabia, as he was seen praying at the Western Wall and alluding to Jewish worship at Al-Aqsa, which is currently prohibited.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed deciding on military actions in Gaza if Hamas rejects a ceasefire deal. Internal government divisions exist over whether to surround or occupy Gaza City. Following Hamas’s withdrawal from ceasefire talks, Israel and the U.S. plan to continue military operations alongside increased humanitarian aid. Meanwhile, Gaza faces a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions suffering food insecurity and thousands of children starving. Hamas insists on significant humanitarian improvements before resuming negotiations.

The Israeli Embassy in Canada has strongly condemned Canada’s decision to recognize the State of Palestine, saying it amounts to rewarding Hamas for the October 7, 2023 attacks. In a statement, the embassy said:

"Recognizing a Palestinian state without accountability, effective institutions, or humane leadership is equivalent to endorsing the atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7."

Meanwhile, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will officially recognize Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September. He emphasized that the move is intended to support a two-state solution. Canada also expressed hope that the Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, will hold general elections by 2026, excluding Hamas and ensuring the new state remains demilitarized.

Yemen’s armed forces have claimed responsibility for coordinated missile and drone strikes on four key Israeli locations, including Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. According to the Yemeni statement, they used five drones and one Palestine-2 hypersonic missile in the attack, temporarily disrupting airport operations. The statement warned that attacks would continue until the blockade and aggression on Gaza are lifted. However, the Israeli military reported intercepting one drone launched from Yemen.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that "no one is starving in Gaza," asserting that Israel has allowed humanitarian aid throughout the conflict. "If we hadn’t, no one would be left alive there," he stated.

However, former U.S. President Donald Trump responded by pointing to widely circulated images of emaciated children in Gaza, saying, “Those kids look very hungry.”

Despite international pressure leading to temporary humanitarian pauses, Gaza residents report that little to no real change has occurred on the ground. Israel blames Hamas for obstructing aid deliveries, alleging the group seizes relief supplies to consolidate power. However, no concrete evidence has been presented to support this claim.

Two leading Israeli human rights organizations—B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights—have jointly accused the Israeli government of committing genocide in Gaza. Their report details extensive atrocities, including mass killings of women, children, and the elderly, widespread displacement, and deliberate starvation. They highlight the destruction of civilian infrastructure, depriving Palestinians of essential services like healthcare and education. B’Tselem director Yuli Novak stated, “This is a deliberate campaign against civilians aimed at eradicating an entire population.” The groups urged the U.S. and Europe to take decisive action.

Despite a joint statement from foreign ministers of 28 countries calling for an end to Israel’s war in Gaza, the killing and famine persist. Over 59,000 Palestinians have died, with more than 144,000 injured. While many countries recognize Palestine, none have imposed effective sanctions on Israel, maintaining billion-dollar trade ties involving vehicles, chips, and vaccines. Israel rejected the statement, calling it disconnected from reality. Humanitarian pauses in Gaza are brief, with ongoing casualties, including deaths from famine and malnutrition.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has issued a direct threat to assassinate Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and warned of renewed strikes on Iranian territory. Iran has yet to officially respond. Earlier, Donald Trump remarked that while Khamenei is a vulnerable target, the U.S. had no immediate plans to remove him.