Tel Aviv, August 5, 2025 — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will push for the complete conquest of Gaza after recent ceasefire negotiations failed with Hamas and regional mediators. Sources within his government indicate he plans on making a proposal before Israel’s Security Cabinet for expanded ground operations across all remaining parts of Gaza, such as Rafah and central refugee camps.
This move follows months of ceasefire negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US that have failed to produce results. After multiple rounds of shuttle diplomacy between Hamas’ demands for a permanent ceasefire and Israel’s insistence upon hostages’ release and dismantlement of Hamas’ military capabilities.
Late Monday evening, Netanyahu issued a statement accusing Hamas of “thwarting every serious proposal,” signaling that Israel’s patience had reached its end. Netanyahu declared: “We have no other recourse but to take the necessary steps for lasting security of our people,” adding: “Now is the time for full conquest of Gaza.”
Defense officials indicate that any major military operation would necessitate redeployment of thousands of reservists and further urban warfare in densely populated zones. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has already conducted extensive operations in northern and southern Gaza, uprooting hundreds of thousands of civilians; humanitarian agencies warn that further military campaigns could have catastrophic repercussions for Gaza’s already devastated population.
Antonio Guterres expressed alarm at the prospect of further escalation and called on all parties involved to return to negotiations in order to prioritize civilian lives and thereby avoid an even deeper humanitarian crisis. “Any full-scale ground invasion risks plunging Gaza further into humanitarian calamity,” said Guterres.
Netanyahu’s announcement appears designed to respond to pressure from his right-wing coalition partners, who have repeatedly called for decisive military action to eradicate Hamas from Gaza permanently. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have publicly opposed ongoing ceasefire efforts as “weakness” when faced with terror threats.
Antony Blinken, who has visited the region multiple times this year, reiterated Washington’s stance that any lasting solution must include political guarantees, reconstruction plans and an established path toward stability. While Blinken acknowledged Israel’s right to defend itself when necessary, “we urge restraint and renewed commitment towards negotiating an amicable settlement.”
Hamas leaders in Gaza have pledged to resist any future Israeli incursion and have condemned Netanyahu’s comments as an open declaration of war. Furthermore, over 20 Israeli hostages remain held by Hamas which complicate efforts at reaching any agreement between parties involved.
As diplomatic efforts falter and military tensions escalate, analysts fear the Middle East could be heading toward even greater levels of conflict. While whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s push for total military control will meet full cabinet approval remains uncertain, its prospect has already created ripples throughout the region.