Daijiworld Media Network – Jerusalem

Jerusalem, Aug 8: Fresh commercial satellite imagery has revealed a significant buildup of Israeli troops and military equipment along the Gaza border, sparking speculation of a potential large-scale ground assault on Gaza City. US officials, including three current and one former national security experts, have confirmed the formations are consistent with preparations for a major operation.

This development comes on the heels of Israel’s security cabinet approving a plan to seize control of Gaza City. The plan, endorsed Friday, stops short of a complete occupation of the Gaza Strip — a move previously floated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In a recent interview with Fox News, Netanyahu reiterated Israel's goal of dismantling Hamas’ grip on Gaza and establishing a security perimeter. “We intend to remove Hamas there, enable the population to be free of Gaza and pass it to civilian governance that is not Hamas… We don’t want to govern it,” he said.

However, Netanyahu gave no clear roadmap for post-war governance, only suggesting that Gaza could be handed over to Arab forces after Hamas is removed.

The current plan, if fully implemented, could signal a reversal of Israel’s 2005 disengagement from Gaza, when it withdrew all settlers and troops. Although Israel has maintained control over Gaza’s borders, airspace, and essential services since then, a full-scale re-entry would require military operations in densely populated civilian zones — likely involving evacuation orders and expanded humanitarian efforts.

US intelligence sources suggest that any new operation may also be tied to efforts to rescue hostages held by Hamas, believed to be in central Gaza. Concerns for the hostages have grown following footage that showed a frail captive forced to dig a grave inside a tunnel.

Tensions have also flared between Netanyahu and former US President Donald Trump over humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Trump, citing reports from aides and harrowing images, challenged Netanyahu’s claim that there is no starvation in the territory. “You can’t fake those photos,” Trump said during a visit to Scotland, referring to malnourished children.

The disagreement led to a visit by US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, who met Israeli officials to discuss humanitarian aid logistics and the ongoing hostage crisis. Witkoff later briefed Trump, who reaffirmed the US commitment to providing food aid and securing the hostages' release.

When asked about Israel’s broader military strategy, Trump declined to take a clear stance on occupation, stating, “That’s going to be pretty much up to Israel.”

Meanwhile, diplomatic pressure on Israel is growing. The UK, France, Canada, and other Western countries are reportedly considering recognition of a Palestinian state at the upcoming UN General Assembly session in September — a potential diplomatic blow to Israel amid the ongoing war.

Despite the growing international scrutiny, Israeli officials insist military pressure remains the most viable path forward, with little confidence in Hamas’ willingness to negotiate hostage releases. However, Western leaders continue to warn that any full-scale offensive carries the risk of further humanitarian disaster and endangering remaining hostages.