After describing it as a "strategic trap," Zamir says they are capable of occupying Gaza.

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir stated that the occupying army is capable of occupying the city of Gaza, in a statement that contradicts his previous position in which he described Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to occupy the sector as a strategic trap.

Zamir's remarks came during a military assessment, where he indicated that they are approaching a new phase of "fighting" in the Gaza Strip, according to a statement from the army.

The "Cabinet" approved Netanyahu's plan for a gradual occupation of the Gaza Strip, where it adopted by a majority vote what he described as the "five principles for ending the war," which include disarming Hamas and returning all prisoners.

Zamir claimed that all alternatives presented in the Cabinet aim to decisively deal with Hamas, pointing to the necessity of preparing to expand the scope of the battle.

Zamir added that the occupying army is capable of controlling the city of Gaza as it did in Khan Younis and Rafah, where its forces had previously conducted maneuvers.

Since May 2024, the occupying army has completely occupied the city of Rafah, having destroyed the majority of its buildings and infrastructure, while continuing to destroy large parts of the city of Khan Younis.

Zamir confirmed that the army will operate in Gaza according to the specified objectives, prioritizing the issue of prisoners held by Hamas.

Zamir called for allowing some time for regular and reserve army recruits, without providing details on how to achieve that.

These statements come amid efforts by mediators to reach an agreement to end the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip for 22 months.

The Egyptian Foreign Minister stated that his country is pushing for a comprehensive agreement to end the war in Gaza, indicating the possibility of resuming the negotiation process if there is political will.

The plan to reoccupy the Gaza Strip begins with the occupation of the city of Gaza, with the displacement of its residents to the south, followed by the occupation of the refugee camps in the central sector.

The ongoing war has resulted in 61,499 Palestinian martyrs and 153,575 injured, most of whom are children and women, in addition to a famine that has claimed the lives of 222 people.