Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is contemplating a contentious plan proposed by a group of retired Israeli military generals to expel all Palestinian civilians from northern Gaza, including Gaza City. This move aims to lay siege to Hamas and secure the release of hostages held in the territory. Estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of Palestinians may reside north of the Netzarim Corridor, which divides Gaza. The strategy does not outline provisions for the return of civilians to the area after evacuation.

The proposal, spearheaded by retired Israeli military general Giora Eiland, has garnered attention after being presented to the Israeli cabinet and a prominent parliamentary committee. The plan involves converting the entire northern Gaza Strip into military territory, cutting off the area from essential supplies. Civilians who vacate the region would receive food and water initially, but after a week, no humanitarian aid would be permitted to enter the militarized zone. This tactic aims to weaken Hamas forces by depriving them of resources and compelling them to release the remaining 101 hostages.

During a closed-door meeting with the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Netanyahu reportedly expressed support for the plan, deeming it logical amid various strategies under consideration. However, an official emphasized that considering the plan positively does not equate to its immediate adoption. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are expected to present alternative approaches to diminish Hamas' civilian control capabilities in Gaza, reflecting the administration's commitment to dismantling the group's influence.