Israeli Military Plans Major Ground Invasion of Gaza Amid Renewed Conflict

TEL AVIV, Israel — The Israeli military has devised plans for a significant ground invasion aimed at fully occupying Gaza and imposing military rule within months, sources familiar with the situation revealed on March 24, 2025. This announcement follows Israel’s resumption of hostilities in Gaza after a two-month ceasefire.

According to two individuals who reviewed the plans, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have presented the proposals to the Security Cabinet, though it remains uncertain when, or if, these plans will be executed. The resumption of airstrikes, targeting Hamas officials, has reportedly increased the death toll in Gaza to over 50,000, according to health officials.

These individuals spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information. They indicated that Israel intends to confine Gaza’s 2.2 million residents into a more restricted “humanitarian zone” than the current civilian areas. The military is reportedly exploring ways to control food distribution to ensure it meets only the basic caloric needs for survival.

Implementing these plans would extend beyond Israel’s stated war objectives that focus on dismantling Hamas rule and securing the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack. Details of these plans were first published by Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

In response to inquiries about the upcoming operational plans, an Israeli military spokesperson stated they would not comment further, reiterating that operations are executed per directives from political leaders. Concurrently, the Israeli Cabinet has approved a proposal to manage the administration in Gaza, enabling residents to emigrate reportedly on a voluntary basis, akin to a prior suggestion made by former President Donald Trump.

Issam Zakkout, 62, a Gazan resident, criticized the plans, calling them ‘psychological warfare.’ He expressed despair about the fluctuating security situation in which each day brings new uncertainties about survival and the choice between staying home or fleeing.

Experts from previous U.S. administrations also voiced concerns regarding the lack of a post-conflict strategy. Dan Shapiro, the former U.S. deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, warned that inadequate plans could lead to long-term Israeli reoccupation of Gaza, which many Israelis oppose.

Former military officials echoed similar sentiments. Amir Avivi, a previous deputy commander of Israel’s Gaza division, argued that controlling Gaza is essential for dismantling Hamas. He stated that the military must manage the entire territory to be effective.

Kobi Michael from the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies noted an accumulation of military pressure as preparations for a ground assault intensify unless Hamas releases hostages swiftly. Amos Yadlin, the former head of Israeli military intelligence, spoke about lessons learned from prior ground operations, suggesting newer strategies focusing on tunnel strafing and monitored humanitarian aid distribution.

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning about the potential for permanent annexation of parts of Gaza if hostages are not returned. Michael Milshtein, an expert on Palestinian affairs, described this rhetoric as a cover for the long-desired goal of annexation.

On an international level, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed Israel’s military operations in Gaza in a recent phone call with the Israeli Prime Minister, though no specifics were given by the State Department. Responses from various experts indicate discontent with the Israeli government’s approach to the conflict, citing a potential backlash from military reservists driven by political dynamics at home.

Major Nir Avishai Cohen, an Israeli military reservist, expressed his intention to refuse service based on the conflict’s grim implications for Israeli society. He urged a movement of civil disobedience against what he perceives as a conflict for the survival of Netanyahu‘s far-right coalition.

The renewed conflict and its implications for Gaza remain murky as reports surface about reservists’ reluctance to engage further, raising questions about the sustainability of ongoing military efforts.

The situation continues to evolve, highlighting the urgent humanitarian crises and escalating tensions in the region.