The Israeli government has approved a new military plan to capture the entire Gaza Strip and stay there for an indefinite period. According to Israeli officials, the move is meant to put more pressure on Hamas to release Israeli hostages and agree to a ceasefire on Israel’s terms. The plan was passed by Israel’s security cabinet early Monday morning and includes calling up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers.
As part of this plan, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians will be pushed further south into Gaza. Nearly 90 percent of Gaza’s population has already been displaced due to the ongoing war, and food, fuel, and water shortages have left 2.3 million Palestinians struggling with hunger and poor living conditions.
The new plan follows a recent attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Israel’s main international airport. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a security meeting and said Israel would decide on the next steps in its war effort. Israel’s army chief, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, confirmed the military was increasing pressure to “defeat Hamas and bring back our people.”
Since the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed in mid-March, Israeli strikes have intensified. Israel now controls around 50 percent of Gaza. Aid to the region has been cut off completely, leading to widespread hunger and looting. Israeli officials say they aim to stop Hamas from using humanitarian aid to strengthen its position, claiming the group is hoarding supplies meant for civilians.
Two unnamed Israeli officials told international media that the goal is to hold onto captured parts of Gaza and prevent Hamas from regaining control. They also confirmed that talks are ongoing with several countries about a controversial plan to relocate Palestinians under what Israel is calling “voluntary emigration.” This proposal has received strong criticism from European and Arab nations.
The gradual implementation of the plan has raised global concerns and sparked protests, including among Israeli citizens. Families of Israeli hostages have expressed deep concern that such military actions endanger their loved ones. The Hostage Forum, which supports families of those held by Hamas, urged the government to focus on securing a deal instead of expanding military operations.
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At a Knesset committee meeting on Monday, Einav Zangauker, the mother of a hostage, called on soldiers to refuse reserve duty for ethical reasons. “This plan puts every hostage at risk,” she said, urging leaders to act responsibly.
Despite international efforts to mediate, negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain stalled. Hamas insists on a ceasefire that ends the war, while Israel refuses to stop fighting until Hamas is fully defeated. The newly approved plan signals a major escalation in the war and could trigger further global condemnation and humanitarian fallout.
