Hamas: Netanyahu’s Gaza plan tool of pressure, not real strategy

The radical Palestinian group Hamas has dismissed Israel’s plan to seize control of the entire Gaza Strip as nothing more than a means of exerting pressure during negotiations, according to a report by Asharq al-Awsat, citing a source within the organisation.

The source said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is leveraging this plan as a “tool of pressure” aimed at forcing concessions from Hamas. However, Hamas believes that any agreement on concessions would only prompt Israel to present “new demands.” The movement maintains that Netanyahu is uninterested in a peaceful resolution, viewing the ongoing military campaign as a source of “political dividends.”

On August 7, Israel’s security cabinet decided to occupy Gaza City following approximately ten hours of deliberations. The approval of the plan marks what could be the initial phase toward Israel’s complete takeover of the Gaza Strip. The anticipated military operation in Gaza City is expected to force the displacement of around one million civilians and could stretch on for several months.

Some top military officials voiced opposition to this strategy, including Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.

The decision was confirmed in an official statement: “The IDF will prepare to establish control over Gaza City, while providing humanitarian assistance to civilians outside combat areas,” said Dmitry Gendelman, an adviser in the Israeli prime minister’s office.

Previously, Prime Minister Netanyahu declared that Israel has no plans to annexe the Gaza Strip after hostilities end, but instead aims to hand over control of the territory to a provisional governing entity. He emphasised Israel’s goal to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages, of whom about 50 remain captive, with approximately 20 believed to be alive.

Netanyahu added that a “security perimeter” would be set up in Gaza following the conflict to ensure the area does not pose a threat to Israel. He reiterated that Israel does not intend to directly administer Gaza, preferring to transfer authority to “Arab forces.”

According to the statement, Israel seeks to place Gaza under the control of forces unconnected to either Hamas or the Palestinian National Authority, which governs the West Bank. Israel would nonetheless continue to monitor security in the Strip.

By Tamilla Hasanova