Israel greenlights strategy to intensify military actions, take control of Gaza
Israel's security cabinet has greenlit a strategy to intensify the military operations in Gaza, which entails the occupation of the Gaza Strip and ongoing control over areas that have been captured, a senior Israeli official reported on Monday.
TroibNews 
Israel's security cabinet has greenlit a plan to intensify the offensive in Gaza, which includes the occupation of the Gaza Strip and sustained control over areas that have been captured, according to a senior Israeli official speaking on Monday.
The operational plan was unanimously approved by the ministers, who requested to remain anonymous. This decision followed an announcement by military chief Eyal Zamir, who stated that "tens of thousands" of call-up orders for reservists would be issued this week to ramp up the offensive.
Additionally, the cabinet has established a framework for the potential future entry of humanitarian aid into the heavily impacted enclave. Israel has imposed a complete blockade since March 2, following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement, although it remains unclear when aid deliveries might commence again.
Israel has justified the blockade by stating that its purpose is to prevent Hamas from taking control of supplies and to pressure the organization into agreeing to a deal based on Israel's terms. However, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East issued a warning on Sunday that the blockade has led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza that has reached catastrophic levels, characterizing the situation as "beyond imagination."
In a meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed that this new plan signifies a strategic shift, stating, "moving from tactical raids to the occupation and continued control of territory," as reported by his office.
Furthermore, Netanyahu indicated that he is actively advocating for a plan to facilitate the "voluntary departure" of Gazans and that discussions are ongoing with several nations to host refugees.
The senior official detailed that the plan includes "occupying Gaza and holding the territories, moving the Gaza population southward for their protection, denying Hamas the ability to distribute humanitarian aid, and launching powerful strikes on Hamas - measures that will contribute to its defeat."
Since Israel ended a two-month ceasefire with Hamas in March, military air and ground operations have resumed. According to Gaza health authorities, over 52,000 Palestinians have died since the onset of the Israeli offensive in October 2023.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
The operational plan was unanimously approved by the ministers, who requested to remain anonymous. This decision followed an announcement by military chief Eyal Zamir, who stated that "tens of thousands" of call-up orders for reservists would be issued this week to ramp up the offensive.
Additionally, the cabinet has established a framework for the potential future entry of humanitarian aid into the heavily impacted enclave. Israel has imposed a complete blockade since March 2, following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement, although it remains unclear when aid deliveries might commence again.
Israel has justified the blockade by stating that its purpose is to prevent Hamas from taking control of supplies and to pressure the organization into agreeing to a deal based on Israel's terms. However, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East issued a warning on Sunday that the blockade has led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza that has reached catastrophic levels, characterizing the situation as "beyond imagination."
In a meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed that this new plan signifies a strategic shift, stating, "moving from tactical raids to the occupation and continued control of territory," as reported by his office.
Furthermore, Netanyahu indicated that he is actively advocating for a plan to facilitate the "voluntary departure" of Gazans and that discussions are ongoing with several nations to host refugees.
The senior official detailed that the plan includes "occupying Gaza and holding the territories, moving the Gaza population southward for their protection, denying Hamas the ability to distribute humanitarian aid, and launching powerful strikes on Hamas - measures that will contribute to its defeat."
Since Israel ended a two-month ceasefire with Hamas in March, military air and ground operations have resumed. According to Gaza health authorities, over 52,000 Palestinians have died since the onset of the Israeli offensive in October 2023.
Camille Lefevre for TROIB News
