Shafaq News – Gaza (Updated at 14:16)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to pursue the “full occupation of the Gaza Strip” triggered political and military divisions inside Israel, as Gaza’s humanitarian crisis worsens and the death toll continues to climb.

War cabinet members Benny Gantz and Gadi Eisenkot voiced strong objections, warning that the plan lacks a clear exit strategy and could endanger the remaining hostages. Israeli Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has also raised concerns, with senior military officials cautioning that a full-scale occupation would require a prolonged troop deployment and expose Israeli forces to high-risk urban warfare.

Public debate has intensified, with former security officials urging Netanyahu to focus on negotiations for hostage releases rather than a costly ground campaign. Notably, the Bank of Israel has estimated that the current war could cost Israel up to $55.6B through 2025.

In the past 24 hours, Israeli strikes have killed at least 138 Palestinians and injured dozens more, bringing the total death toll to 61,158, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. More than 151,440 people have been wounded since the start of the war.

The ministry reported five new starvation-related deaths, bringing the toll to 193, including 96 children.

A humanitarian delivery truck in northern Gaza overturned amid a surge of civilians attempting to reach the supplies, killing at least 20 people and injuring several others.

Pressure for international accountability and transparency is mounting. More than 100 prominent foreign journalists have launched a campaign titled “The Right to Cover,” demanding unimpeded access to Gaza. The petition, led by award-winning war photographer André Loehn, has been signed by figures including Christiane Amanpour, Clarissa Ward, Alex Crawford, and veteran photojournalist Don McCullin.

The signatories argue that barring independent journalists from Gaza is a “clear violation of the public’s right to information” and insist that unrestricted reporting is critical to documenting the humanitarian crisis and holding all sides accountable.