Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the Israel Defense Forces to seize control of 70% of the Gaza Strip, a dramatic escalation in the ongoing conflict. The order, confirmed by senior Israeli officials, aims to dismantle Hamas's military infrastructure and establish a buffer zone. The move comes as Britain intensifies diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages held by militant groups.
Netanyahu's directive marks a significant expansion of the ground operation, which initially focused on northern Gaza. Military analysts suggest that achieving this objective would require weeks of intense combat, potentially displacing hundreds of thousands of Palestinian civilians into an already overcrowded southern enclave. The IDF has issued evacuation orders for several areas, but humanitarian organisations warn that safe corridors are inadequate.
In London, Foreign Secretary David Cameron has convened emergency talks with regional counterparts. Britain's proposal includes a conditional ceasefire: an immediate halt to hostilities in exchange for a phased release of all hostages. Downing Street has stressed that any deal must guarantee Israel's security while addressing the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. A government spokesperson said: "We urge all parties to step back from the brink. The human cost of a full-scale occupation is incalculable."
The United Nations has expressed alarm at the seizure plan. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate de-escalation, warning that such a move would violate international law and worsen an already dire humanitarian crisis. Aid agencies report that food, water, and medical supplies are nearly exhausted in Gaza, with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties.
Netanyahu's coalition faces internal pressure. Far-right ministers have demanded a complete reoccupation of Gaza, while centrist members advocate for a negotiated settlement. Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused the prime minister of prioritising political survival over strategic interests. "This is not a plan for victory; it is a plan for endless war," Lapid said.
The United States has offered cautious support for Israel's right to self-defence but has not endorsed the 70% seizure. President Joe Biden's administration is reportedly urging Israel to minimise civilian casualties and allow humanitarian access. Washington has also expressed openness to the British ceasefire proposal, provided it includes robust verification mechanisms to prevent arms smuggling into Gaza.
Regional reactions have been sharply critical. Saudi Arabia condemned the seizure orders as a violation of Palestinian sovereignty. Egypt and Qatar, which have previously mediated hostage negotiations, have suspended talks in protest. Iran warned of a broader regional escalation if the offensive continues.
On the ground, IDF armoured columns have advanced into central Gaza, encountering fierce resistance from Hamas tunnel networks. Military officials claim to have killed several senior commanders, but progress has been slow due to booby-trapped buildings and urban warfare challenges. The IDF has called up additional reserve brigades, signalling a prolonged campaign.
Hostage families have expressed fury at the government's decision, arguing that military pressure endangers the lives of captives. A protest outside the Knesset drew thousands demanding an immediate deal. Relatives of hostages accuse Netanyahu of sabotaging negotiations to preserve his coalition.
Britain's diplomatic push faces significant obstacles. Hamas has rejected any ceasefire that does not include a full Israeli withdrawal and a permanent end to hostilities. The group's leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, is believed to be in hiding, making direct communication difficult. Israeli officials have dismissed Hamas's demands as non-starters.
The coming days will test whether diplomatic channels can avert a full-scale occupation. Britain's role as a mediator is complicated by its historic ties to the region and its recent decision to classify all of Hamas as a terrorist organisation. Yet London remains one of the few Western capitals with direct lines to all parties, including Qatar and Egypt.
For now, the trajectory points towards intensified conflict. Netanyahu's order suggests a belief that military victory is achievable, despite intelligence assessments indicating that Hamas retains significant capabilities. The humanitarian cost of such an operation is likely to be severe, with the UN projecting over 1 million internal refugees if the IDF advances as planned.
Britain's ceasefire proposal may offer a last window for de-escalation. But as tank shells fall on Gaza City and diplomats shuttle between capitals, the region braces for what could be the most devastating phase of the war yet.
