LEASE IT TO KUSHNER REALTY INC.
Issued on: 07/08/2025 - FRANCE24
Prime Minister Netanyahu told Fox News that Israel does not intend to govern Gaza permanently but 'intend to take control', remove Hamas, and hand over administration to a new authority. He said no detailed military plan exists yet, ahead of a crucial cabinet vote. This comes amid an unprecedented clash between Netanyahu’s government and the Israeli military over Gaza policy, as FRANCE 24's Noga Tarnopolsky explains.
Video by: Noga TARNOPOLSKY
Issued on: 07/08/2025 - FRANCE24
Prime Minister Netanyahu told Fox News that Israel does not intend to govern Gaza permanently but 'intend to take control', remove Hamas, and hand over administration to a new authority. He said no detailed military plan exists yet, ahead of a crucial cabinet vote. This comes amid an unprecedented clash between Netanyahu’s government and the Israeli military over Gaza policy, as FRANCE 24's Noga Tarnopolsky explains.
Video by: Noga TARNOPOLSKY
Protests erupt with Israelis divided over government's plan to "control" Gaza
Issued on: 08/08/2025 - FRANCE24
Families of the hostages still being held in Gaza led widespread protests on Thursday against the Israeli government's plans to "control" the territory, demanding instead an end to the war and a release of all the remaining captives. Members of government also castigated the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan, with his military chief of staff concerned that his troops would be too depleted, and opposition leader Yair Lapid claiming the human and financial price of maintaining a hold over all of Gaza would be too steep after almost two years of fighting.
Issued on: 08/08/2025 - FRANCE24
Families of the hostages still being held in Gaza led widespread protests on Thursday against the Israeli government's plans to "control" the territory, demanding instead an end to the war and a release of all the remaining captives. Members of government also castigated the Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan, with his military chief of staff concerned that his troops would be too depleted, and opposition leader Yair Lapid claiming the human and financial price of maintaining a hold over all of Gaza would be too steep after almost two years of fighting.
Video by: Monte FRANCIS
Israel to 'take control' of Gaza City after approving new war plan
Jerusalem (AFP) – Israel's military will "take control" of Gaza City under a plan proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and approved by his security cabinet, his office said in a statement Friday.
Issued on: 08/08/2025 -
'More destruction, more death'
The plans to expand the war have sparked growing concern in Israel about what it means for the remaining hostages.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid denounced the cabinet's move on Friday, calling it "a disaster that will lead to many other disasters".
He said on X that the plan would result in "the death of the hostages, the killing of many soldiers, cost Israeli taxpayers tens of billions, and lead to diplomatic bankruptcy".
As the cabinet meeting began Thursday, hundreds rallied near the prime minister's office in Jerusalem, calling for a deal to free the hostages.
"The only way to bring the hostages home is to halt the war and end the suffering of the hostages and all those living through this terrible conflict," said protester Sharon Kangasa-Cohen.
In Gaza, fears grew over what an expansion of Israeli operations would entail.
'Unrealistic costs'
International concern has been growing over the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, where a UN-backed assessment has warned that famine is unfolding.
The World Health Organization said at least 99 people have died from malnutrition in the territory this year, with the figure likely an underestimate.
Jerusalem (AFP) – Israel's military will "take control" of Gaza City under a plan proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and approved by his security cabinet, his office said in a statement Friday.
Issued on: 08/08/2025 -
Israel's security cabinet approved new war plans that involve taking over Gaza City
© Jack GUEZ / AF
Nearly two years into the war in Gaza, Netanyahu faces mounting pressure at home and abroad for a truce to pull the territory's more than two million people back from the brink of famine and free the hostages held by Palestinian militants.
Under the plan to "defeat" Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army "will prepare to take control of Gaza City while distributing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population outside combat zones", the premier's office said.
Before the decision, Netanyahu said Israel planned to take full control of Gaza but did not intend to govern it.
He told US network Fox News on Thursday that the military would seize complete control of the territory, where it has been fighting Hamas since the Palestinian militant group's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
He added that Israel did not want "to keep" the Gaza Strip, which Israel occupied in 1967 but withdrew troops and settlers from in 2005.
Netanyahu said Israel wanted a "security perimeter" and to hand the Palestinian territory to "Arab forces that will govern it properly without threatening us".
"That's not possible with Hamas," he added.
Nearly two years into the war in Gaza, Netanyahu faces mounting pressure at home and abroad for a truce to pull the territory's more than two million people back from the brink of famine and free the hostages held by Palestinian militants.
Under the plan to "defeat" Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army "will prepare to take control of Gaza City while distributing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population outside combat zones", the premier's office said.
Before the decision, Netanyahu said Israel planned to take full control of Gaza but did not intend to govern it.
He told US network Fox News on Thursday that the military would seize complete control of the territory, where it has been fighting Hamas since the Palestinian militant group's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
He added that Israel did not want "to keep" the Gaza Strip, which Israel occupied in 1967 but withdrew troops and settlers from in 2005.
Netanyahu said Israel wanted a "security perimeter" and to hand the Palestinian territory to "Arab forces that will govern it properly without threatening us".
"That's not possible with Hamas," he added.
Israelis fearful for the lives of hostages still held in Gaza demonstrate outside the prime minister's office against the government's plans to expand the war. © AHMAD GHARABLI / AFP
His office on Friday said a majority of the security cabinet had adopted "five principles" aimed at ending the war: "the disarming of Hamas; the return of all hostages -- living and dead; the demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip; Israeli security control in the Gaza Strip; the establishment of an alternative civil administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority".
An unspecified "alternative plan" was rejected by the cabinet, it added.
The Israeli army said last month that it controlled 75 percent of the Gaza Strip, mainly from its positions in the territory along the border.
An expanded Israeli offensive in Gaza could see ground troops operate in densely populated areas where hostages are believed to be held, Israeli media have reported.
His office on Friday said a majority of the security cabinet had adopted "five principles" aimed at ending the war: "the disarming of Hamas; the return of all hostages -- living and dead; the demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip; Israeli security control in the Gaza Strip; the establishment of an alternative civil administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority".
An unspecified "alternative plan" was rejected by the cabinet, it added.
The Israeli army said last month that it controlled 75 percent of the Gaza Strip, mainly from its positions in the territory along the border.
An expanded Israeli offensive in Gaza could see ground troops operate in densely populated areas where hostages are believed to be held, Israeli media have reported.
'More destruction, more death'
The plans to expand the war have sparked growing concern in Israel about what it means for the remaining hostages.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid denounced the cabinet's move on Friday, calling it "a disaster that will lead to many other disasters".
He said on X that the plan would result in "the death of the hostages, the killing of many soldiers, cost Israeli taxpayers tens of billions, and lead to diplomatic bankruptcy".
As the cabinet meeting began Thursday, hundreds rallied near the prime minister's office in Jerusalem, calling for a deal to free the hostages.
"The only way to bring the hostages home is to halt the war and end the suffering of the hostages and all those living through this terrible conflict," said protester Sharon Kangasa-Cohen.
In Gaza, fears grew over what an expansion of Israeli operations would entail.
Most of Gaza is under evacuation orders or within militarised zones
© Olivia BUGAULT, Pauline PAILLASSA, Julie PEREIRA / AFP
"Ground operations mean more destruction and death," said Ahmad Salem, 45.
Hamas said in a statement that "Netanyahu's plans to escalate the aggression confirm beyond any doubt his desire to get rid of the captives and sacrifice them in pursuit of his personal interests and extremist ideological agenda".
Out of 251 hostages captured during Hamas's 2023 attack, 49 are still being held in Gaza, including 27 the military says are dead.
Ahead of Thursday's meeting, rumours were rife in the Israeli press about disagreements over the plan between the cabinet and military chief Eyal Zamir, who was said to oppose fully occupying Gaza.
"Ground operations mean more destruction and death," said Ahmad Salem, 45.
Hamas said in a statement that "Netanyahu's plans to escalate the aggression confirm beyond any doubt his desire to get rid of the captives and sacrifice them in pursuit of his personal interests and extremist ideological agenda".
Out of 251 hostages captured during Hamas's 2023 attack, 49 are still being held in Gaza, including 27 the military says are dead.
Ahead of Thursday's meeting, rumours were rife in the Israeli press about disagreements over the plan between the cabinet and military chief Eyal Zamir, who was said to oppose fully occupying Gaza.
'Unrealistic costs'
International concern has been growing over the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, where a UN-backed assessment has warned that famine is unfolding.
The World Health Organization said at least 99 people have died from malnutrition in the territory this year, with the figure likely an underestimate.
Palestinians rush to the site where parachuted aid packages in the Nuseirat area in the central Gaza Strip © Eyad BABA / AFP
Displaced Gazan Mahmoud Wafi said that the prices of available food remained high and erratic.
"We hope that food will be made available again in normal quantities and at reasonable prices, because we can no longer afford these extremely high and unrealistic costs," the 38-year-old told AFP.
In late July, Israel partially eased restrictions on aid entering Gaza, but the United Nations says the amount allowed into the territory remains insufficient.
Amjad Al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGO Network in the Gaza Strip, told AFP that lengthy inspection procedures at entry points meant few trucks could come in -- "between 70 to 80 per day -- carrying only specific types of goods".
The UN estimates that Gaza needs at least 600 trucks of aid per day to meet residents' basic needs.
Israel's offensive has killed at least 61,258 Palestinians, according to Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry.
The 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
© 2025 AFP
Displaced Gazan Mahmoud Wafi said that the prices of available food remained high and erratic.
"We hope that food will be made available again in normal quantities and at reasonable prices, because we can no longer afford these extremely high and unrealistic costs," the 38-year-old told AFP.
In late July, Israel partially eased restrictions on aid entering Gaza, but the United Nations says the amount allowed into the territory remains insufficient.
Amjad Al-Shawa, head of the Palestinian NGO Network in the Gaza Strip, told AFP that lengthy inspection procedures at entry points meant few trucks could come in -- "between 70 to 80 per day -- carrying only specific types of goods".
The UN estimates that Gaza needs at least 600 trucks of aid per day to meet residents' basic needs.
Israel's offensive has killed at least 61,258 Palestinians, according to Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry.
The 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
© 2025 AFP
Relatives of hostages protest with Gaza flotilla ahead of Israeli security meeting
Issued on: 07/08/2025 - FRANCE24
Relatives of Israeli hostages sailed in a flotilla toward Gaza, waving flags and posters of their loved ones held by Hamas, calling for international support. The protest comes ahead of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s security cabinet meeting Thursday, where he may seek approval to expand military operations in Gaza despite opposition, including from hostage families.
Video by: Yuka ROYER
Dr. Gershon Baskin: 'Hamas is ready for a deal that will release all Israeli hostages in 24 hours'
Issued on: 07/08/2025 -FRANCE24
Former hostage negotiator Dr. Gershon Baskin tells FRANCE 24 that he has spoken directly with Hamas, saying the militant group is "ready for a deal that will release all the Israeli hostages in 24 hours". Now the Middle East director of the International Communities Organisation, Dr. Baskin says the war in Gaza should end immediately, adding: "Hamas has been defeated, it can no longer govern Gaza." He says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for his part, "needs to continue the war for his own political survival". Dr Baskin is a co-director of the Alliance for Two States and has advised Israeli, Palestinian and international leaders on the peace process.
Video by: Delano D'SOUZA
Issued on: 07/08/2025 -FRANCE24
Former hostage negotiator Dr. Gershon Baskin tells FRANCE 24 that he has spoken directly with Hamas, saying the militant group is "ready for a deal that will release all the Israeli hostages in 24 hours". Now the Middle East director of the International Communities Organisation, Dr. Baskin says the war in Gaza should end immediately, adding: "Hamas has been defeated, it can no longer govern Gaza." He says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for his part, "needs to continue the war for his own political survival". Dr Baskin is a co-director of the Alliance for Two States and has advised Israeli, Palestinian and international leaders on the peace process.
Video by: Delano D'SOUZA
'How much worse could it get?' Gazans fear full occupation
Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – "When will this nightmare end?" wonders Amal Hamada, a 20-year-old displaced woman who, like most Gazans, feels powerless before the threat of full Israeli occupation after 22 months of war.
Issued on: 07/08/2025 -FRANCE24
Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – "When will this nightmare end?" wonders Amal Hamada, a 20-year-old displaced woman who, like most Gazans, feels powerless before the threat of full Israeli occupation after 22 months of war.
Issued on: 07/08/2025 -FRANCE24
Palestinian children carry water past line after line of tents housing displaced families in the sand dunes of Mawasi on Gaza's Mediterranean coast. © - / AFP
Rumours that the Israeli government might decide on a full occupation of the Palestinian territory spread from Israel to war-torn Gaza before any official announcement, sowing fear and despair.
Like nearly all Gazans, Hamada has been displaced several times by the war, and ended up in Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, where the Israeli military carried out operations last month for the first time in the war.
"We've lived through many wars before, but nothing like this one. This war is long and exhausting, from one displacement to another. We are worn out," the woman told AFP.
Like her, Ahmad Salem, 45, wonders how things can get worse in a territory that already faces chronic food shortages, mass displacement and daily air strikes.
"We already live each day in anxiety and fear of the unknown. Talk of an expansion of Israeli ground operations means more destruction and more death," Salem told AFP.
Rumours that the Israeli government might decide on a full occupation of the Palestinian territory spread from Israel to war-torn Gaza before any official announcement, sowing fear and despair.
Like nearly all Gazans, Hamada has been displaced several times by the war, and ended up in Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, where the Israeli military carried out operations last month for the first time in the war.
"We've lived through many wars before, but nothing like this one. This war is long and exhausting, from one displacement to another. We are worn out," the woman told AFP.
Like her, Ahmad Salem, 45, wonders how things can get worse in a territory that already faces chronic food shortages, mass displacement and daily air strikes.
"We already live each day in anxiety and fear of the unknown. Talk of an expansion of Israeli ground operations means more destruction and more death," Salem told AFP.
Palestinians recover what they can from the debris of an Israeli strike on the makeshift camp in Mawasi. © - / AFP
"There is no safe space in Gaza. If Israel expands its ground operations again, we'll be the first victims," he said from a camp west of Gaza City where he had found shelter.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was to chair a meeting of his security cabinet later on Thursday to seek approval to expand military operations in Gaza, including in densely populated areas.
'Just animals'
“We read and hear everything in the news... and none of it is in our favour," said 40-year-old Sanaa Abdullah from Gaza City.
"Israel doesn't want to stop. The bombardment continues, the number of martyrs and wounded keeps rising, famine and malnutrition are getting worse, and people are dying of hunger", she said.
"What more could possibly happen to us?"
Precisely 22 months into the devastating war sparked by Hamas's October 2023 attack, Gaza is on the verge of "generalised famine", the United Nations has said.
Its 2.4 million residents are fully dependent on humanitarian aid, and live under the daily threat of air strikes.
The Israeli army announced in mid-July that it controlled 75 percent of Gaza, including a broad strip the whole length of the Israeli border and three main military corridors that cut across the territory from east to west.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that more than 87 percent of the Gaza Strip is under unrevoked evacuation orders or designated as an Israeli military zone.
The remaining areas are the most densely populated. The city of Khan Yunis in the south, Gaza City in the north, and Deir el-Balah and its adjacent refugee camps in the centre.
"Now they speak of plans to expand their operations as if we are not even human, just animals or numbers," Abdullah laments.
"A new ground invasion means new displacement, new fear and we won’t even find a place to hide", she told AFP.
"What will happen if they start another ground operation? Only God is with us."
"There is no safe space in Gaza. If Israel expands its ground operations again, we'll be the first victims," he said from a camp west of Gaza City where he had found shelter.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was to chair a meeting of his security cabinet later on Thursday to seek approval to expand military operations in Gaza, including in densely populated areas.
'Just animals'
“We read and hear everything in the news... and none of it is in our favour," said 40-year-old Sanaa Abdullah from Gaza City.
"Israel doesn't want to stop. The bombardment continues, the number of martyrs and wounded keeps rising, famine and malnutrition are getting worse, and people are dying of hunger", she said.
"What more could possibly happen to us?"
Precisely 22 months into the devastating war sparked by Hamas's October 2023 attack, Gaza is on the verge of "generalised famine", the United Nations has said.
Its 2.4 million residents are fully dependent on humanitarian aid, and live under the daily threat of air strikes.
The Israeli army announced in mid-July that it controlled 75 percent of Gaza, including a broad strip the whole length of the Israeli border and three main military corridors that cut across the territory from east to west.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) says that more than 87 percent of the Gaza Strip is under unrevoked evacuation orders or designated as an Israeli military zone.
The remaining areas are the most densely populated. The city of Khan Yunis in the south, Gaza City in the north, and Deir el-Balah and its adjacent refugee camps in the centre.
"Now they speak of plans to expand their operations as if we are not even human, just animals or numbers," Abdullah laments.
"A new ground invasion means new displacement, new fear and we won’t even find a place to hide", she told AFP.
"What will happen if they start another ground operation? Only God is with us."
Arab and European militaries airdrop aid over bombed out buildings in central Gaza. © Eyad BABA / AFP
A widening of the war "would risk catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians and could further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages in Gaza", senior UN official Miroslav Jenca told the Security Council on Tuesday.
The October 2023 attack that sparked the war resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, the majority of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 61,258 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to figures from the Gaza health ministry which the United Nations considers reliable.
© 2025 AFP
A widening of the war "would risk catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians and could further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages in Gaza", senior UN official Miroslav Jenca told the Security Council on Tuesday.
The October 2023 attack that sparked the war resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, the majority of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 61,258 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to figures from the Gaza health ministry which the United Nations considers reliable.
© 2025 AFP
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