Netanyahu approves plan to fully occupy Gaza Strip, force Hamas to release hostages

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to order a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip to force Hamas to free the hostages, according to local reports.

The expansion of the war would see the military, which already controls about 75% of Gaza, take over the remaining areas and conduct operations where the hostages are believed to be held, the Jerusalem Post reported.

The move was reportedly made without the input of the Israeli military’s chief of staff Eyal Zamir — with Netanyahu instructing him to fall in line or resign, according to the internal memo sent out.

The decision to escalate the 21-month war comes despite calls from within Israel and around the world to find a diplomatic end to the fighting — with growing backlash over widespread hunger in Gaza and concern for the safety of the hostages.