Israel on Wednesday (Aug 18) approved a plan for the takeover of Gaza City and authorised calling up 60,000 reservists for the expanded military operations. Following this, world leaders have urged for de-escalation. The development comes amid mounting pressure on Hamas and calls by mediators for a ceasefire following their latest proposal. The plan for the major operation was approved by Defence Minister Israel Katz. Meanwhile, the Israeli government has maintained its firm stance, calling for the release of all hostages in any agreement.The framework approved by Hamas involves an initial 60-day truce, hostage release, the freeing of Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. According to Israeli media, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet called any security cabinet meeting to discuss the truce proposal.<h2>‘Catastrophic’ situation in Gaza</h2>Mustafa Qazzaat, head of the emergency committee in the Gaza municipality, on Wednesday (Aug 20) described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic”. He said that “large numbers” of people were fleeing their homes, with the majority forced “on the roads and streets without shelter.”<h2>‘Precise and targeted operation’</h2>An Israeli military official told media on Wednesday that the latest phase in the escalation of conflict with Hamas would involve a “a gradual precise and targeted operation in and around Gaza City”. The official added that the plan includes some areas where the Israeli forces had previously not been present.The Israeli military had already started expanding operations in areas of Zeitoun and Jabalia, the official said.<h2>Calls for de-escalation</h2>Germany on Wednesday said it “rejects the escalation” of Israel’s plan to take over Gaza City. Spokesman Steffen Meyer told reporters that Berlin finds it “increasingly difficult to understand how these actions will lead to the freeing of all the hostages, or to a ceasefire.”French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Israel’s “military offensive” in Gaza City “can only lead to a complete disaster for both peoples.” He added that it “will drag the region into a permanent war”, reiterating calls for an “international stabilisation mission”.

Israel has approved a plan for Gaza City ‘takeover’ on Wednesday, calling-up 60,000 reservists as it moves to expand military operations in the territory. Meanwhile, mediators and global powers have urged to de-escalate the situation.

Israel on Wednesday (Aug 18) approved a plan for the takeover of Gaza City and authorised calling up 60,000 reservists for the expanded military operations. Following this, world leaders have urged for de-escalation. The development comes amid mounting pressure on Hamas and calls by mediators for a ceasefire following their latest proposal. The plan for the major operation was approved by Defence Minister Israel Katz. Meanwhile, the Israeli government has maintained its firm stance, calling for the release of all hostages in any agreement. The framework approved by Hamas involves an initial 60-day truce, hostage release, the freeing of Palestinian prisoners, and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. According to Israeli media, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet called any security cabinet meeting to discuss the truce proposal. ‘Catastrophic’ situation in Gaza Mustafa Qazzaat, head of the emergency committee in the Gaza municipality, on Wednesday (Aug 20) described the situation in Gaza as “catastrophic”. He said that “large numbers” of people were fleeing their homes, with the majority forced “on the roads and streets without shelter.” ‘Precise and targeted operation’ An Israeli military official told media on Wednesday that the latest phase in the escalation of conflict with Hamas would involve a “a gradual precise and targeted operation in and around Gaza City”. The official added that the plan includes some areas where the Israeli forces had previously not been present. The Israeli military had already started expanding operations in areas of Zeitoun and Jabalia, the official said. Calls for de-escalation Germany on Wednesday said it “rejects the escalation” of Israel’s plan to take over Gaza City. Spokesman Steffen Meyer told reporters that Berlin finds it “increasingly difficult to understand how these actions will lead to the freeing of all the hostages, or to a ceasefire.” French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Israel’s “military offensive” in Gaza City “can only lead to a complete disaster for both peoples.” He added that it “will drag the region into a permanent war”, reiterating calls for an “international stabilisation mission”.

Israel has approved a plan for Gaza City ‘takeover’ on Wednesday, calling-up 60,000 reservists as it moves to expand military operations in the territory. Meanwhile, mediators and global powers have urged to de-escalate the situation.

‘Will drag region into permanent war’: World reacts as Israel approves Gaza City ‘takeover’ plan, calls up 60,000 reservists

The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on Sunday (August 10) to discuss the developing situation in Gaza ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to take over the strip. Speaking at the meeting, Head of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Geneva, Ramesh Rajasingham, said that over 61,000 people have been killed in the region by the Israeli occupation, including 18,000 children. He said around 50 Israeli hostages are in captivity by the Palestinian terror group Hamas. More than 500 humanitarian workers have been killed, and the condition of humanitarian aid is "horrific" in the strip. He said that Israel's plan to take full control of the region will risk "another calamity."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-demilitarisation-security-zone-hamas-surrender-netanyahu-reveals-five-point-plan-for-gaza-after-the-war-1754835330233">'Demilitarisation, security zone, Hamas' surrender': Netanyahu reveals five-point plan for Gaza after the war</a>&nbsp;"If these plans are implemented, they will likely trigger another calamity in Gaza, reverberating across the region and causing further forced displacements, killings and destruction, compounding the unbearable suffering of the population," Miroslav Jenca, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Moreover, the UK representative in the meeting said that the plan will deepen the Palestinian people's suffering. "This Israel plan will bring nothing to rescue the hostages; rather, it will create more risk for the hostages," the representative said.&nbsp;The Danish representative "fully rejected" the plan of Netanyahu by calling it completely against international law. She said that the entire region is facing a famine-like situation. She also demanded an investigation into the situation. The representative asked for the return of UN-led humanitarian aid into the strip.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Denmark firmly condemns the heinous terrorist attack of October 7 by Hamas. There can be no justification for that. However, Israel's response must be exercised in compliance with international law," the representative said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 Ramesh Rajasingham, said that over 61,000 people have been killed in the region by the Israeli occupation, including 18,000 children. He said around 50 Israeli hostages are in captivity by the Palestinian terror group Hamas. 

The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on Sunday (August 10) to discuss the developing situation in Gaza ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to take over the strip. Speaking at the meeting, Head of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Geneva, Ramesh Rajasingham, said that over 61,000 people have been killed in the region by the Israeli occupation, including 18,000 children. He said around 50 Israeli hostages are in captivity by the Palestinian terror group Hamas. More than 500 humanitarian workers have been killed, and the condition of humanitarian aid is "horrific" in the strip. He said that Israel's plan to take full control of the region will risk "another calamity." Also read: 'Demilitarisation, security zone, Hamas' surrender': Netanyahu reveals five-point plan for Gaza after the war "If these plans are implemented, they will likely trigger another calamity in Gaza, reverberating across the region and causing further forced displacements, killings and destruction, compounding the unbearable suffering of the population," Miroslav Jenca, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, said. Moreover, the UK representative in the meeting said that the plan will deepen the Palestinian people's suffering. "This Israel plan will bring nothing to rescue the hostages; rather, it will create more risk for the hostages," the representative said. The Danish representative "fully rejected" the plan of Netanyahu by calling it completely against international law. She said that the entire region is facing a famine-like situation. She also demanded an investigation into the situation. The representative asked for the return of UN-led humanitarian aid into the strip. "Denmark firmly condemns the heinous terrorist attack of October 7 by Hamas. There can be no justification for that. However, Israel's response must be exercised in compliance with international law," the representative said.

&nbsp;Ramesh Rajasingham, said that over 61,000 people have been killed in the region by the Israeli occupation, including 18,000 children. He said around 50 Israeli hostages are in captivity by the Palestinian terror group Hamas.&nbsp;

'18,000 children killed in Gaza so far': Senior UN official says Netanyahu's takeover plan risks 'another calamity'

Thousands of people took to the streets of Tel Aviv, protesting against the Israeli government's plan to take over Gaza City, in a major escalation of the war with Hamas.

Thousands of people took to the streets of Tel Aviv, protesting against the Israeli government's plan to take over Gaza City, in a major escalation of the war with Hamas.

In pics | Protests erupt in Tel Aviv against Netanyahu’s Gaza City takeover plan

Donald Trump's envoy for Israel, Mike Huckabee, launched a verbal attack on the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his stance on the ongoing war in Gaza. He said that Britain would have lost World War II to Nazi Germany under his leadership. Starmer, along with several other leaders, opposed Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to take full control of the Gaza Strip. “So Israel is expected to surrender to Hamas &amp; feed them even though Israeli hostages are being starved?” Huckabee asked on social media.&nbsp;“Did UK surrender to the Nazis and drop food to them?… If you had been PM, then UK would be speaking German!” he remarked.<h2>'Will not be a picnic'</h2>Hamas said on August 8 in a stern warning that Netanyahu's plan to occupy the region "is an adventure that will cost it a heavy price and will not be a picnic." The group added, "Our people and their resistance are resilient to being broken or surrendered, and Netanyahu's plans and illusions will fail."&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-s-gaza-takeover-plan-is-bad-for-hamas-and-worse-for-israel-1754673033078">Netanyahu's Gaza takeover plan is bad for Hamas and worse for Israel</a>&nbsp;Moreover, Hamas even said that they were ready to release all the hostages from Gaza in exchange for stopping the war and withdrawing its forces. But Netanyahu has not responded to this offer yet. Rather, he posted on X reaffiring his plan. This raised doubts around Netanyahu's claim that releasing the hostages is his priority.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nsa-doval-meets-russia-s-first-deputy-pm-discusses-military-technical-ties-1754743443471/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nsa-doval-meets-russia-s-first-deputy-pm-discusses-military-technical-ties-1754743443471/embed</a><h2>Israelis protest the plan</h2>Hundreds of Israelis gathered outside Netanyahu's office on Friday to protest against his plan to escalate the war in Gaza, citing the lives of the hostages held by Hamas. Not just that, over a hundred UK-based Israelis and allies led by the grassroots activist group Mi-neged staged a protest outside the Foreign Office to put pressure on Keir Starmer to impose immediate sanctions on Israel and end the war.&nbsp;

Donald Trump envoy for Israel, Mike Huckabee, launched a verbal attack on the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his stance on the ongoing war in Gaza. He said that Britain would have lost World War II to Nazi Germany under his leadership.

Donald Trump's envoy for Israel, Mike Huckabee, launched a verbal attack on the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his stance on the ongoing war in Gaza. He said that Britain would have lost World War II to Nazi Germany under his leadership. Starmer, along with several other leaders, opposed Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to take full control of the Gaza Strip. “So Israel is expected to surrender to Hamas & feed them even though Israeli hostages are being starved?” Huckabee asked on social media. “Did UK surrender to the Nazis and drop food to them?… If you had been PM, then UK would be speaking German!” he remarked. 'Will not be a picnic' Hamas said on August 8 in a stern warning that Netanyahu's plan to occupy the region "is an adventure that will cost it a heavy price and will not be a picnic." The group added, "Our people and their resistance are resilient to being broken or surrendered, and Netanyahu's plans and illusions will fail." Also read: Netanyahu's Gaza takeover plan is bad for Hamas and worse for Israel Moreover, Hamas even said that they were ready to release all the hostages from Gaza in exchange for stopping the war and withdrawing its forces. But Netanyahu has not responded to this offer yet. Rather, he posted on X reaffiring his plan. This raised doubts around Netanyahu's claim that releasing the hostages is his priority. https://www.wionews.com/videos/nsa-doval-meets-russia-s-first-deputy-pm-discusses-military-technical-ties-1754743443471/embed Israelis protest the plan Hundreds of Israelis gathered outside Netanyahu's office on Friday to protest against his plan to escalate the war in Gaza, citing the lives of the hostages held by Hamas. Not just that, over a hundred UK-based Israelis and allies led by the grassroots activist group Mi-neged staged a protest outside the Foreign Office to put pressure on Keir Starmer to impose immediate sanctions on Israel and end the war.

Donald Trump's envoy for Israel, Mike Huckabee, launched a verbal attack on the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for his stance on the ongoing war in Gaza. He said that Britain would have lost World War II to Nazi Germany under his leadership.

'If you had been PM then UK would be...': Trump's envoy blasts on Starmer for opposing Netanyahu's takeover plan

Benjamin Netanyahu is ready to fully occupy the Gaza Strip to achieve his war objectives in the region. He claimed that he is not planning to annexe the strip but will surely escalate his military offensive in the region. Even after extreme criticism from various countries and leaders from his own nation, the Israeli PM kept insisting that this was the only way Israel could achieve its biggest objective in Gaza - which is the fall of Hamas. On August 8, Netanyahu repeated his claim, saying, "We are not going to occupy Gaza - we are going to free Gaza from Hamas. Gaza will be demilitarised, and a peaceful civilian administration will be established, one that is not the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas, and not any other terrorist organisation."&nbsp;"This will help free our hostages and ensure Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel in the future," he added.But here is certainly something that the Israeli PM might be missing. His master plan might create problems for the Palestinian terror group, but it would not be beneficial for his people either. After Gazans, people who will be adversely affected by Netanyahu's occupation plan will be the Israeli hostages trapped in Gaza.<h2>'Will not be a picnic'</h2>Hamas said on August 8 in a stern warning that Netanyahu's plan to occupy the region "is an adventure that will cost it a heavy price and will not be a picnic." The group added, "Our people and their resistance are resilient to being broken or surrendered, and Netanyahu's plans and illusions will fail."&nbsp;Moreover, Hamas even said that they were ready to release all the hostages from Gaza in exchange for stopping the war and withdrawing its forces. But Netanyahu has not responded to this offer yet. Rather, he posted on X reaffiring his plan. This raised doubts around Netanyahu's claim that releasing the hostages is his priority.&nbsp;The militant group said that “Netanyahu’s plans to escalate the aggression confirm beyond any doubt his desire to get rid of the captives and sacrifice them in pursuit of his personal interests and extremist ideological agenda."<h2>‘A disaster for generations’</h2>The Israeli opposition also slammed the present government by calling the latest plan a "disaster" that will lead to more deaths of Israeli people. The Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said that the plan was made in “complete contradiction to the opinion of the military and security ranks.”&nbsp;Lapid added that the National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich “dragged” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “into a move that will take months, lead to the deaths of the hostages, the killing of many soldiers, cost tens of billions to the Israeli taxpayer, and lead to a political collapse." &nbsp; “This is exactly what Hamas wanted: for Israel to be trapped in the field without a goal, without defining the picture of the day after, in a useless occupation that no one understands where it is leading," he said.<h2>Israelis protest the plan</h2>Hundreds of Israelis gathered outside Netanyahu's office on Friday to protest against his plan to escalate the war in Gaza, citing the lives of the hostages held by Hamas. Not just that, over a hundred UK-based Israelis and allies led by the grassroots activist group Mi-neged staged a protest outside the Foreign Office to put pressure on Keir Starmer to impose immediate sanctions on Israel and end the war.<h2>What does Netanyahu really want?</h2>As per BBC, many Israeli leaders believe that the reason behind Netanyahu prolonging the conflict is to ensure a guarantee of his coalition's survival - which is solely based on the support of ultranationalist ministers who have threatened to quit the government if the war ends.&nbsp;This does make sense as the country is already 305 days into the war and Netanyahu is yet to offer a vision for Gaza. It also must be noted that the October 7 attack killed around &nbsp;1,200 people, and 251 were taken as hostages by Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel's military occupation in Gaza has killed over &nbsp;61,000 Palestinians, as per the region's health ministry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is ready to fully occupy the Gaza Strip to achieve his war objectives in the region. He claimed that he is not planning to annexe the strip but will surely escalate his military offensive in the region, despite massive outrage over the decision.

Benjamin Netanyahu is ready to fully occupy the Gaza Strip to achieve his war objectives in the region. He claimed that he is not planning to annexe the strip but will surely escalate his military offensive in the region. Even after extreme criticism from various countries and leaders from his own nation, the Israeli PM kept insisting that this was the only way Israel could achieve its biggest objective in Gaza - which is the fall of Hamas. On August 8, Netanyahu repeated his claim, saying, "We are not going to occupy Gaza - we are going to free Gaza from Hamas. Gaza will be demilitarised, and a peaceful civilian administration will be established, one that is not the Palestinian Authority, not Hamas, and not any other terrorist organisation." "This will help free our hostages and ensure Gaza does not pose a threat to Israel in the future," he added. But here is certainly something that the Israeli PM might be missing. His master plan might create problems for the Palestinian terror group, but it would not be beneficial for his people either. After Gazans, people who will be adversely affected by Netanyahu's occupation plan will be the Israeli hostages trapped in Gaza. 'Will not be a picnic' Hamas said on August 8 in a stern warning that Netanyahu's plan to occupy the region "is an adventure that will cost it a heavy price and will not be a picnic." The group added, "Our people and their resistance are resilient to being broken or surrendered, and Netanyahu's plans and illusions will fail." Moreover, Hamas even said that they were ready to release all the hostages from Gaza in exchange for stopping the war and withdrawing its forces. But Netanyahu has not responded to this offer yet. Rather, he posted on X reaffiring his plan. This raised doubts around Netanyahu's claim that releasing the hostages is his priority. The militant group said that “Netanyahu’s plans to escalate the aggression confirm beyond any doubt his desire to get rid of the captives and sacrifice them in pursuit of his personal interests and extremist ideological agenda." ‘A disaster for generations’ The Israeli opposition also slammed the present government by calling the latest plan a "disaster" that will lead to more deaths of Israeli people. The Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said that the plan was made in “complete contradiction to the opinion of the military and security ranks.” Lapid added that the National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich “dragged” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “into a move that will take months, lead to the deaths of the hostages, the killing of many soldiers, cost tens of billions to the Israeli taxpayer, and lead to a political collapse." “This is exactly what Hamas wanted: for Israel to be trapped in the field without a goal, without defining the picture of the day after, in a useless occupation that no one understands where it is leading," he said. Israelis protest the plan Hundreds of Israelis gathered outside Netanyahu's office on Friday to protest against his plan to escalate the war in Gaza, citing the lives of the hostages held by Hamas. Not just that, over a hundred UK-based Israelis and allies led by the grassroots activist group Mi-neged staged a protest outside the Foreign Office to put pressure on Keir Starmer to impose immediate sanctions on Israel and end the war. What does Netanyahu really want? As per BBC, many Israeli leaders believe that the reason behind Netanyahu prolonging the conflict is to ensure a guarantee of his coalition's survival - which is solely based on the support of ultranationalist ministers who have threatened to quit the government if the war ends. This does make sense as the country is already 305 days into the war and Netanyahu is yet to offer a vision for Gaza. It also must be noted that the October 7 attack killed around 1,200 people, and 251 were taken as hostages by Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel's military occupation in Gaza has killed over 61,000 Palestinians, as per the region's health ministry.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is ready to fully occupy the Gaza Strip to achieve his war objectives in the region. He claimed that he is not planning to annexe the strip but will surely escalate his military offensive in the region, despite massive outrage over the decision.

Netanyahu's Gaza takeover plan is bad for Hamas and worse for Israel

In protest against Benjamin Netanyahu's Gaza takeover plan, Germany has announced the suspension of arms exports to Israel. The German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the decision on Friday (August 8), marking it the clearest shift yet in response to Israel’s escalating military campaign in the Gaza Strip. “Under these circumstances, the German government will, until further notice, not approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip,” Merz said in a government press release. The chancellor added that Netanyahu's plan to intensify the military occupation in Gaza, overnight, has made it &nbsp;“increasingly difficult” to see how stated goals like the release of hostages or the disarmament of Hamas can be achieved.&nbsp;Germany has long been a supporter of Israel's stance that it has the right to defend itself amid the war with Hamas. However, &nbsp;Merz sharply criticised the humanitarian aid situation in the strip and urged the Israeli &nbsp;government to allow “full access for aid deliveries, including for UN organisations and other non-governmental institutions.” “The Israeli government carries greater responsibility than ever for the civilian population’s supply,” Merz said.<h2>What's inside Netanyahu's 'Gaza takeover' plan?</h2>As per a report by Channel 12, in the first phase of the plan, the Netanyahu government will issue an evacuation notice to 1 million residents of Gaza City - almost 50 per cent of the entire Palestinian population. This will, as per Netanyahu, give some time for his officials to establish civilian infrastructure like hospitals and camps in the Gaza Strip for evacuees. This process is said to last for several weeks.&nbsp;In the second phase of the plan, the Israeli military will launch an offensive in the region. At that time, US President Donald Trump would give a speech in which he would announce the acceleration of humanitarian aid in coordination with Israel, the Channel 12 report said.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told Bloomberg News on Wednesday (August 6) that there was an effort to add 12 aid sites to the already existing four, operated by the Israel- and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Amid the chaos around Gaza takeover plan, Germany has decided to halt arms exports to Israel. The German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that his country will not approve military equipment that could be used the strip. 

In protest against Benjamin Netanyahu's Gaza takeover plan, Germany has announced the suspension of arms exports to Israel. The German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the decision on Friday (August 8), marking it the clearest shift yet in response to Israel’s escalating military campaign in the Gaza Strip. “Under these circumstances, the German government will, until further notice, not approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip,” Merz said in a government press release. The chancellor added that Netanyahu's plan to intensify the military occupation in Gaza, overnight, has made it “increasingly difficult” to see how stated goals like the release of hostages or the disarmament of Hamas can be achieved. Germany has long been a supporter of Israel's stance that it has the right to defend itself amid the war with Hamas. However, Merz sharply criticised the humanitarian aid situation in the strip and urged the Israeli government to allow “full access for aid deliveries, including for UN organisations and other non-governmental institutions.” “The Israeli government carries greater responsibility than ever for the civilian population’s supply,” Merz said. What's inside Netanyahu's 'Gaza takeover' plan? As per a report by Channel 12, in the first phase of the plan, the Netanyahu government will issue an evacuation notice to 1 million residents of Gaza City - almost 50 per cent of the entire Palestinian population. This will, as per Netanyahu, give some time for his officials to establish civilian infrastructure like hospitals and camps in the Gaza Strip for evacuees. This process is said to last for several weeks. In the second phase of the plan, the Israeli military will launch an offensive in the region. At that time, US President Donald Trump would give a speech in which he would announce the acceleration of humanitarian aid in coordination with Israel, the Channel 12 report said. Meanwhile, the US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told Bloomberg News on Wednesday (August 6) that there was an effort to add 12 aid sites to the already existing four, operated by the Israel- and US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.

Amid the chaos around Benjamin Netanyahu's Gaza takeover plan, Germany has decided to halt arms exports to Israel. The German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that his country will not approve military equipment that could be used the strip.&nbsp;

Germany halts arms export to Israel amid Netanyahu's Gaza takeover plan