Israel’s Security Cabinet Approves Plan to Capture Gaza Strip

JERUSALEM, Israel – Israel’s security cabinet has approved a controversial plan aiming to capture the entire Gaza Strip, potentially leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and a prolonged military presence in the region, according to two officials who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions.

The plan, endorsed today, is intended to intensify pressure on Hamas to negotiate the release of hostages and establish a ceasefire on terms favorable to Israel. The officials did not specify how long Israeli troops would remain in Gaza.

Families of hostages expressed outrage over the plan. The Hostage Forum, an organization supporting the families of captives, claimed that the military strategy risks the safety of hostages and called for Israeli leaders to ensure their safe return. Einav Zangauker, whose son is among those held by Hamas, appealed at a Knesset meeting for soldiers to refrain from reserve duty on moral and ethical grounds.

In the midst of these developments, the Israeli military announced plans to call up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers, coinciding with the gravity of the situation in Gaza following renewed airstrikes. The health ministry in Gaza reported that at least 2,436 people have died since Israel escalated its military efforts in March.

Amidst the military maneuvering, aid organizations have condemned Israel’s approach to provide humanitarian assistance, alleging that a recent proposal to control aid distribution amounts to political blackmail. Hamas has also denounced Israel’s strategy to operate outside traditional humanitarian principles, asserting that the situation in Gaza has devolved into a humanitarian catastrophe.

According to leaked internal communications, Israel intends to implement a framework where private security firms will manage aid distribution in Gaza, which has raised further alarms among humanitarian agencies. The UN has stated it will not support the initiative as it violates fundamental humanitarian principles.

As tensions rise, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the government’s aim to eliminate Hamas’s influence over aid in Gaza. However, opposition leaders have questioned the strategy, suggesting it lacks clear objectives and serves more to protect the government’s interests than the public’s safety.

While Israel prepares for an intensified military campaign, experts warn that failing to secure a ceasefire and hostage resolution could further deteriorate both regional stability and humanitarian conditions for millions in Gaza.