On Monday, Israel approved a plan to fully take control of the Gaza Strip and maintain a long-term presence in the area, further intensifying its operations within the enclave. The strategy is expected to displace hundreds of thousands of residents to southern Gaza, worsening the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
Since the cessation of the ceasefire with Hamas over two months ago, Israel has blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid, including food, water, and fuel, leading to widespread hunger and an increase in looting.
Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir stated that tens of thousands of reserve troops are being called up for the operation.
According to a senior defense official, the offensive will commence if no agreement is reached before U.S.
President Donald Trump’s visit to the region from May 13-16, during which he will stop in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will visit Israel on May 12. The official explained that the military aims to bolster its forces and intensify efforts to defeat Hamas, dismantle its military and government structures, and apply pressure to release all hostages. A key part of the plan involves evacuating the entire population from combat zones, especially in northern Gaza, and relocating them to southern Gaza to separate them from Hamas militants and allow the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) greater operational freedom.
Regarding the humanitarian situation, the blockade will remain in place until the operation begins, and once it does, a humanitarian plan will be implemented. Aid distribution will occur in a “sterile zone” in Rafah, where IDF will screen individuals to prevent Hamas operatives from taking or reselling the aid. The official also mentioned that the plan includes provisions for allowing Gazans, particularly those in the southern areas outside Hamas control, to leave the enclave.
