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Israel’s government has approved a controversial plan to fully capture the Gaza Strip and remain in the territory for an unknown period of time, an aggressive military move that would drastically expand its ongoing operations and likely deepen international concerns.
The decision, confirmed by two Israeli officials speaking anonymously to the Associated Press, was made during a cabinet vote early Monday morning. It comes as Israel prepares to call up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers, signaling a possible ramp-up in its military campaign against Hamas.
According to the officials, the plan aims to achieve two key goals: defeating Hamas and freeing Israeli hostages still believed to be held inside Gaza. But the broader implications are far-reaching. The move would displace even more Palestinians to southern Gaza, worsening what aid groups already describe as one of the worst humanitarian crises in the history of the conflict.
Since the collapse of a temporary ceasefire in March, Israel has gradually taken control of about half of Gaza. Now, this new strategy outlines a full-scale territorial takeover, including what the officials called “the holding of territories.” The plan also involves more air and ground strikes on Hamas targets, and notably, efforts to block the group from accessing or distributing humanitarian aid.
Israel has long claimed that Hamas diverts aid to strengthen its rule and military capabilities. But with food, water, and fuel blocked from entering Gaza for weeks, residents are facing extreme hunger, and looting has become widespread as desperation grows.
International reaction is expected to be strong. The idea of pushing Gaza’s population further south, paired with what Israel has described as promoting “voluntary emigration,” has already sparked outrage. Though Israel says it’s discussing this option with several countries, the concept has drawn sharp criticism from both European allies and Arab nations, who view it as forced displacement in all but name.
Despite Israel's hopes that military pressure might force Hamas to make concessions in stalled ceasefire negotiations, progress remains elusive. Efforts by international mediators to broker a new truce have so far failed, and Hamas appears unmoved by the latest developments.
In short, Israel’s new plan marks a major turning point in the nearly 19-month war, one that could reshape the conflict’s trajectory, deepen Gaza’s suffering, and inflame already strained diplomatic relations.
