Israel’s government likely to approve plan to re-occupy Gaza, Israeli media reports

Netanyahu government weighs Gaza occupation amid growing pressure over 50 remaining hostages and international criticism of Israel's war strategy.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke this evening at length with the families of the hostages Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David. (Getty Images) Families of hostages gather in Tel Aviv, Israel, on August 2, 2025, to call for a ceasefire and hostage release deal, marking day 666 since the October 7th attacks. Holding signs, photographs, and yellow ribbons symbolizing their missing loved ones, demonstrators demand urgent action from the Israeli government to secure the return of captives still held in Gaza. The protest forms part of an ongoing public campaign urging political leaders to prioritize negotiations, as the prolonged conflict continues to exact a heavy toll on both sides. (ORI AVIRAM/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images) Families of hostages protest, demanding the release from Hamas captivity in the Gaza Strip, at the plaza known as the hostages square in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025.  (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit) Ruth Marks Eglash is a veteran journalist based in Jerusalem, Israel. She reports and covers the Middle East and Europe. Originally from the U.K, she has also freelanced for numerous news outlets. Ruth can be followed on Twitter @reglash

"Hamas will not release hostages without total surrender, if we do not operate now the hostages will die of starvation and Gaza will stay under Hamas’ control," Segal quoted the official as saying.