Israel aims for military control of Gaza in three-phase war plan

Israel is currently executing a comprehensive strategy to gain military and governance control over Gaza, designed in a phased manner. The ongoing second phase began a week ago and is expected to last around two months. During this phase, Israeli military efforts are focused on significantly degrading Hamas’s military capabilities and governance structure, attempting to gain control over approximately 75 percent of Gaza. Furthermore, the plan involves relocating civilians into designated areas within the remaining 25 percent, establishing control over humanitarian aid distribution to diminish civilian dependency on Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made statements about the intention to create a secure and controlled zone in the Mawasi area of southern Gaza, ensuring that intensive aid can be administered while reducing the influence of Hamas on the population. Israeli officials have openly acknowledged that eliminating Hamas's grip on the population is a primary goal. Should Phase Two conclude without Hamas meeting the demands for the release of hostages, Israel is prepared to advance to Phase Three, which entails a more aggressive military stance, including the potential for laying siege to areas still under Hamas control. Negotiations have emerged for a temporary ceasefire supported by the United States, aimed at facilitating hostage releases that could favor Israel's stance while keeping pressure on Hamas. The Israeli government appears to be open to temporary halts in military action under specific conditions, yet remains firm that a permanent ceasefire will only be entertained should Hamas agree to disarm and expel its leadership. The unfolding geopolitical dynamics surrounding the conflict—including American support and military aid—have been critical in shaping Israel's current military strategy. The Israeli leadership is cautious about public and international pressure to cease hostile actions in Gaza, and reports indicate that significant resources have been allocated to ensure military objectives are met, albeit with a focus on minimizing casualties among Israeli forces and protecting the hostages believed to be held by Hamas within civilian regions. The fact that internal Israeli political debate continues about the long-term sustainability of military control over Gaza suggests a complex interrelation of military objectives, political realities, and humanitarian concerns that will influence the conflict's trajectory moving forward.