Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to expand its military operations against Hamas in Gaza, which reportedly includes a full occupation and future control of the region.
The Israeli military has already called up thousands of reservists, citing the need to increase pressure to defeat Hamas and secure the release of remaining hostages.
Sources indicate that the plan might be implemented after U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Middle East next week.
Additionally, the cabinet has approved a proposal to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza through private companies. This could potentially end the two-month blockade that caused severe shortages of food and essential supplies, according to the United Nations.
However, the UN and other aid organizations criticized the plan, saying it contradicts the core principles of humanitarian work and that they would not participate in it.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet convened on Sunday evening to finalize these decisions. According to Israeli media, the cabinet unanimously approved the proposal for a gradual escalation of military operations over the coming months.
In the first phase, Israel plans to expand control over additional areas of Gaza, particularly near the buffer zone shared with Egypt. This could give Israel greater leverage in future ceasefire and hostage release negotiations with Hamas.
Earlier on Sunday, the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, informed special forces members that thousands of reservists had been deployed to intensify and broaden the scope of operations in Gaza.