Israel’s political-security cabinet on 8 August approved a five-point plan that would see the army seize Gaza City, the Palestinian enclave’s largest urban centre, as part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stated goal of dismantling Hamas and ending a war that has entered its 22nd month. The military sign-off followed on 13 August, when Chief of Staff Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir endorsed the “main concept” of the offensive during a General Staff meeting, bringing the operation a step closer to execution. Hamas said Israeli forces had already made “aggressive incursions” in Gaza City’s Zeitoun district and the area around Tal al-Hawa, calling the moves a dangerous escalation. Foreign capitals reacted swiftly. Germany halted approvals of any military equipment that could be used in Gaza, while Britain and several European Union leaders urged Israel to reconsider. United Nations officials and regional powers, including Saudi Arabia, voiced concern that a full occupation could deepen the humanitarian crisis and jeopardise negotiations for the release of hostages. Domestic criticism also mounted. Families of roughly 50 captives—about 20 thought to be alive—warned that a Gaza City assault risked their relatives’ lives, and opposition leader Yair Lapid called the plan a “disaster.” Israeli officers estimate they already control about three-quarters of Gaza; taking Gaza City could lift that figure to 85 %. The offensive would unfold against a backdrop of widespread destruction and a death toll that Gazan health officials put above 60,000.