Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that to destroy Hamas, Israel intends to take full control of the Gaza Strip.

Lapid, echoing recent criticisms of the plan by Israeli opposition leaders, the IDF chief of staff, and hostage families, said the decision would lead to the deaths of hostages and soldiers. Opposition leader and Yesh Atid chairman MK Yair Lapid on Friday slammed the Security Cabinet's decision to approve Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to occupy Gaza City,

The Israeli military “will prepare for taking control of Gaza City while distributing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population outside the combat zones,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said.