Israel Expands Military Campaign Against Hamas Following Security Cabinet Approval

JERUSALEM, Israel — Israel’s security cabinet has authorized an expansion of its military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, with plans to capture territory and hold it to protect its population, according to an Israeli official. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the operation aims to destroy Hamas and rescue remaining hostages.

Netanyahu emphasized that Gaza’s 2.1 million residents would be relocated for their safety, but did not specify the extent of the territory that would be seized. He clarified that Israeli forces would not retreat after operations.

The cabinet also approved a plan to allow private companies to deliver aid, which has been blocked by Israel for two months, resulting in severe food shortages according to the UN. However, aid agencies criticized the proposal, claiming it violates humanitarian principles.

A Hamas official responded, rejecting Israel’s attempts at pressure, while U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated the need for food deliveries for Palestinians. The UK and EU expressed concern over Israel’s military expansion, urging restraint to prevent further casualties among the Palestinian population.

The Israeli cabinet met on Sunday to discuss the renewed offensive, which followed a two-month ceasefire ending on March 18. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir presented a plan aimed at defeating Hamas and returning hostages. The military strategy includes capturing the Gaza Strip and moving its population south for defense.

As part of this expanded campaign, Israel aims to gain leverage in negotiations regarding a potential ceasefire and hostages release. However, a senior security official indicated that the plan would not be executed until after Trump’s visit to the region from May 13 to 16, allowing Hamas a chance to negotiate.

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich claimed that Israel intends to occupy Gaza fully, echoing sentiments from various Israeli political factions. Although Israel withdrew its troops from Gaza in 2005, the UN continues to view the territory as under Israeli occupation due to control over borders and airspace.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that the renewed military operations would likely displace many Palestinians, despite critics arguing that the campaign has failed to secure hostage returns. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum alleged that prioritizing territory over hostages contradicts the will of many Israelis.

Local residents expressed resistance to being forcibly moved, detailing their traumatic experiences during previous displacements. One resident, 76-year-old Ahmed Shehata, vowed not to leave his home again.

The Israeli official revealed that the cabinet approved humanitarian aid distribution plans to prevent Hamas from controlling supplies, although specifics were not shared. The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) warned that proposed aid delivery methods risked further endangering civilians.

Collectively, the international community continues to scrutinize Israel’s proposed military actions, emphasizing that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with many residents facing shortages of food and medical supplies. The UN has reiterated that Israel must comply with international law by ensuring assistance reaches the Palestinian population.

The conflict surged following the unprecedented October 7 Hamas attack, which left around 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 were taken hostage. Since then, reports from the Hamas-run health ministry indicate over 52,000 fatalities among Palestinians due to the ongoing Israeli offensive.