Netanyahu Considers Full-Scale Occupation of Gaza as Death Toll Surpasses 60,000

Kokcha News Agency – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is leaning towards a decision to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, according to reports from Channel 12, one of Israel’s leading television networks. The decision is expected to be made during a security cabinet meeting this week.

Netanyahu, during a cabinet meeting on Monday, stated that he would convene the security cabinet to instruct the Israeli military to achieve all war objectives: “We must stand together and fight together to achieve all our war goals: the defeat of the enemy, the rescue of our hostages, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.”

Israeli Military Cautious:
While some government members have proposed annexing parts of Gaza or establishing military rule to rebuild Jewish settlements, the Israeli military has reportedly expressed reservations. Leaked information from within the military suggests concerns about the safety of the 20 hostages believed to still be alive.

Additionally, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir is said to be increasingly frustrated with the “lack of strategic clarity” among political leadership and is worried about the military being drawn into a “war of attrition.”

Ceasefire Hopes Dim:
Over the weekend, US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff visited Israel to discuss a plan to end the war. However, Israel believes Hamas is unwilling to compromise. According to an Israeli official, Netanyahu is now focused on the complete military defeat of Hamas rather than a ceasefire.

During Witkoff’s visit, the US and Israel reportedly reached a consensus on a broader solution that includes the release of all hostages, the disarmament of Hamas, and the neutralization of Gaza as a military threat.

However, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that significant obstacles remain to a diplomatic resolution: “We want to bring our hostages back and end the war. We prefer to do this through diplomatic means, but what matters is the conditions under which the war ends.”

Death Toll Surpasses 60,000:
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the number of Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks has risen to 60,933, with 150,027 injured. In the last 24 hours alone, 94 people were killed and 439 were wounded in Israeli strikes.