Responding to Hamas‘s refusal to lay down its arms and release Israeli hostages in return for an end to the conflict in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is set to authorize military action to secure the entirety of Gaza. The expanded Israel Defense Forces operation is expected to be approved following a Cabinet meeting on Thursday evening.

Israel controls approximately 75% of Gaza but will now attempt to secure the remaining 25%. Around 20 Israeli hostages are believed to remain alive in this outstanding area. But while Israel will be justified in acting, it must not rely upon air power to clear out the 25% of Gaza it does not yet control. An air power-centric military campaign would cause excessive civilian casualties and exacerbate an already serious humanitarian crisis.