Israeli Army Chief Eyal Zamir has opposed Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to completely occupy the Gaza Strip, three sources told Reuters, as pressure on the Israeli prime minister has grown both at home and abroad.
During the nearly 3-hour meeting, Zamir warned Netanyahu that occupying the remaining parts of the enclave would be a trap for military forces, and could jeopardize the well-being of hostages still being held by the Palestinian militant group, Hamas.
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Letter to the Reader — Why We're Asking for Your Support ContributeAccording to senior officials, the Israeli military now controls about 75 percent of Gaza territory since the start of the war with Hamas' attack on southern Israel in October 2023.
Netanyahu is under intense international pressure to reach a ceasefire agreement in order to end the conflict that has devastated most of the territory inhabited by over 2 million Palestinians.
And the United Nations has warned that there will be "catastrophic consequences" if Israel expands military operations in Gaza, following reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is aiming for a full reoccupation.
Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca told the UN Security Council that such a move would be "deeply alarming" and could endanger the lives of more Palestinians, as well as Israeli hostages held by Hamas.