Israel’s security cabinet on Monday unanimously approved a new military strategy that includes the occupation of the Gaza Strip and sustained control over captured territories, marking a significant escalation in its ongoing offensive.
The decision followed an announcement by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, that thousands of reservists would be called up within the week to bolster military operations.
The newly approved plan signals a strategic shift. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told ministers that Israel would move from conducting tactical raids to maintaining long-term territorial control. The plan also proposes the relocation of Gazan civilians to the southern part of the enclave for “their protection” and includes the denial of Hamas access to humanitarian aid.
In a controversial move, Netanyahu reiterated his intention to pursue the “voluntary departure” of Gaza residents, noting that discussions were ongoing with several countries to receive potential refugees.
While the cabinet also approved a framework for the future entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, it remains unclear when deliveries will resume. Israel has enforced a total blockade on the enclave since March 2, following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement.
The Israeli government defends the blockade as a measure to prevent Hamas from seizing supplies and to pressure the group into accepting a ceasefire on Israel’s terms. However, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) warned over the weekend that the blockade had triggered a humanitarian catastrophe of “beyond imagination” in the territory.
The renewed military operations come after Israel ended a two-month ceasefire with Hamas in March and resumed both air and ground assaults.
According to Gaza health authorities, over 52,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel launched its offensive in October 2023.
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