Netanyahu Evaluating Siege Strategy for Hamas in Northern Gaza, According to Israeli Media Reports by Reuters

JERUSALEM – Israel is considering a strategy involving siege tactics against Hamas in northern Gaza, as reported by multiple Israeli media outlets on Sunday, referencing statements from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Netanyahu’s office did not provide comments in response to inquiries. The reports drew from unnamed sources at a confidential parliament committee meeting.

The proposed strategy, introduced by retired military leaders and discussed by some lawmakers, recommends that Palestinian civilians evacuate northern Gaza, which would subsequently be designated as a closed military zone. It is estimated that around 5,000 Hamas militants still remain in the area, and the plan suggests a siege until their surrender. Israel’s Army Radio reported that Netanyahu indicated to lawmakers that this plan is under consideration.

Public broadcaster Kan quoted Netanyahu affirming that the proposal "makes sense" and that "it is one of the plans being considered, alongside others."

Israel has faced considerable international backlash regarding the humanitarian crisis resulting from its ongoing military actions against Hamas in Gaza, which have persisted for nearly a year. The majority of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with approximately one million individuals—half of the total population—currently crowded into a designated humanitarian zone that occupies less than 15% of the territory and lacks basic infrastructure and services, according to the United Nations.

Access to humanitarian aid in northern Gaza, where the population is estimated to be between 300,000 and 500,000, remains particularly challenging, as reported by the United Nations.

The conflict escalated when Hamas-led militants invaded Israel on October 7, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals, primarily civilians, and the abduction of around 250 people taken into Gaza, according to Israeli figures.

The Gaza health ministry has reported that more than 41,000 Palestinians have died during the Israeli offensive, with health officials indicating that most casualties are civilians. Israel, on the other hand, has reported that 346 of its soldiers have died in Gaza, asserting that at least a third of Palestinian fatalities are militants.