In a bold move, Israel’s security cabinet has officially approved a plan to significantly escalate its military offensive against Hamas, with objectives that may include a potential occupation of Gaza. In preparation for this expansion, the Israeli military has called up tens of thousands of reservists, indicating a desire to heighten pressure on Hamas in efforts to secure the release of remaining Israeli hostages and achieve military objectives against the group.
According to reports, this military initiative is scheduled to be implemented following US President Donald Trump's impending visit to the region next week. At the meeting held on Sunday evening, the cabinet unanimously agreed to carry out a comprehensive ground operation, which is expected to unfold over several months. An early focus will involve seizing more territories in Gaza and extending the “buffer zone” along Israel's borders with both Gaza and Egypt. This strategy is anticipated to enhance Israel’s strategic bargaining position in future negotiations with Hamas regarding a potential ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Notably, an Israeli official informed Haaretz that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approach to the expanded offensive marks a distinct shift from previous tactics, moving from short-term raids to establishing a sustained Israeli presence in the region. Cabinet member Zeev Elkin emphasized that there remains a chance for further hostage releases before Trump's trip concludes on May 16.
On the ground, Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamid spoke at a naval base, reinforcing the urgency behind these reservist call-ups to bolster operations in Gaza, with the primary goals of rescuing hostages and dismantling Hamas's operational capacity. However, critics of the offensive argue that this strategy appears ineffective, as no hostages have been released since the resumption of military actions six weeks ago. Representatives from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed their discontent, suggesting the government prioritizes territorial gains over hostages' safety, contrary to public sentiment.
Amid these developments, the security cabinet has also shown willingness to consider humanitarian aid deliveries via private companies to alleviate the severe food shortages inflicted by a two-month blockade. Nevertheless, various humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations, contend that approving such proposals would violate basic humanitarian guidelines, leading to potential non-cooperation with the Israeli government.
After halting humanitarian supplies on March 2, Israel has faced criticism for the dire situation in Gaza, where the UN estimates show almost all of the 2.1 million residents have been displaced. The escalation comes on the heels of the military response to an unprecedented attack on October 7, which resulted in significant civilian casualties in Israel and has, in turn, led to overwhelming destruction and loss of life in Gaza, with current reports indicating over 52,000 deaths since the conflict reignited.
According to reports, this military initiative is scheduled to be implemented following US President Donald Trump's impending visit to the region next week. At the meeting held on Sunday evening, the cabinet unanimously agreed to carry out a comprehensive ground operation, which is expected to unfold over several months. An early focus will involve seizing more territories in Gaza and extending the “buffer zone” along Israel's borders with both Gaza and Egypt. This strategy is anticipated to enhance Israel’s strategic bargaining position in future negotiations with Hamas regarding a potential ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Notably, an Israeli official informed Haaretz that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's approach to the expanded offensive marks a distinct shift from previous tactics, moving from short-term raids to establishing a sustained Israeli presence in the region. Cabinet member Zeev Elkin emphasized that there remains a chance for further hostage releases before Trump's trip concludes on May 16.
On the ground, Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamid spoke at a naval base, reinforcing the urgency behind these reservist call-ups to bolster operations in Gaza, with the primary goals of rescuing hostages and dismantling Hamas's operational capacity. However, critics of the offensive argue that this strategy appears ineffective, as no hostages have been released since the resumption of military actions six weeks ago. Representatives from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed their discontent, suggesting the government prioritizes territorial gains over hostages' safety, contrary to public sentiment.
Amid these developments, the security cabinet has also shown willingness to consider humanitarian aid deliveries via private companies to alleviate the severe food shortages inflicted by a two-month blockade. Nevertheless, various humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations, contend that approving such proposals would violate basic humanitarian guidelines, leading to potential non-cooperation with the Israeli government.
After halting humanitarian supplies on March 2, Israel has faced criticism for the dire situation in Gaza, where the UN estimates show almost all of the 2.1 million residents have been displaced. The escalation comes on the heels of the military response to an unprecedented attack on October 7, which resulted in significant civilian casualties in Israel and has, in turn, led to overwhelming destruction and loss of life in Gaza, with current reports indicating over 52,000 deaths since the conflict reignited.
