Benjamin Netanyahu to propose full reoccupation of Gaza, Israeli media report | BBC News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to propose fully reoccupying the Gaza Strip during a meeting with his security cabinet, according to Israeli media. A senior official, quoted by local journalists, said, "The die has been cast. We're going for the full conquest of the Gaza Strip – and defeating Hamas." When reports emerged that the army chief and other military leaders opposed the plan, the unnamed official replied, "If that doesn't work for the chief of staff, he should resign." Families of hostages fear such plans could endanger their loved ones, with 20 out of 50 believed to be alive in Gaza, while polls suggest three in four Israelis favor a ceasefire deal to return them. Many of Israel's close allies would also condemn such a move as they push for an end to the war and action to alleviate a humanitarian crisis.