Israel security cabinet approves plan to 'capture' Gaza, official says

According to an Israeli official, a plan to expand Israel's military offensive against Hamas that includes the "capture" of Gaza and the holding of its territory has been approved by the security cabinet. Moving the 2.1 million Palestinians living in Gaza toward the south, which could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, is also said to be part of it. According to the official, it would accomplish the objectives of defeating Hamas and returning its remaining hostages, which is why Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a "good plan." A plan to deliver and distribute humanitarian aid through private businesses was also approved in principle by the cabinet. This would end a blockade that lasted two months and was blamed by the United Nations for severe food shortages.

The UN and other aid organizations have stated that they will not cooperate with the proposal because it would violate fundamental humanitarian principles. Hamas said Israel's proposal amounted to "political blackmail".

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet met on Sunday evening to discuss the Gaza offensive, which resumed when Israel ended a two-month ceasefire on 18 March.

An Israeli official who briefed the media on Monday said that ministers voted unanimously to approve a plan proposed by the Israeli military's Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir to "defeat Hamas in Gaza and return the hostages".

"The plan will include, among other things, the capture of the Strip and holding the territories, moving the Gazan population south for its defence, denying Hamas the ability to distribute humanitarian supplies, and powerful attacks against Hamas," the official said.

Israeli media reported that the plan would take months and that the first stage included the seizure of additional areas of Gaza and the expansion of the Israeli-designated "buffer zone" running along the territory's borders. It would aim to give Israel additional leverage in negotiations with Hamas on a new ceasefire and hostage release deal.

Security cabinet member Zeev Elkin told public broadcaster Kan that there was "still a window of opportunity" for a new hostage release before the end of President Trump's 13-16 May trip to the Middle East "if Hamas understands we are serious".

During a visit to a naval base on Sunday, Lt Gen Zamir told special forces that tens of thousands of reservists were being called up "in order to strengthen and expand our operations in Gaza".

"We are increasing the pressure with the aim of bringing our people home and defeating Hamas. We will operate in additional areas and destroy all terrorist infrastructure - above and below ground," he said.

However, critics say this is a failed strategy, as none of the 59 remaining hostages has been freed since the offensive resumed six weeks ago.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents hostages' relatives, said the plan was an admission by the government that it was "choosing territories over the hostages" and that this was "against the will of over 70% of the people" in Israel.

According to the Israeli official, "the possibility of humanitarian distribution - if necessary - that would prevent Hamas from taking control of supplies and would destroy its governmental capabilities" was also approved by a large majority of the security cabinet. Israeli officials were attempting to "shut down the existing aid distribution system," according to the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), a forum comprised of UN agencies, on Sunday. They also wanted to "have us agree to deliver supplies through Israeli hubs under conditions set by the Israeli military, once the government agrees to re-open crossings," according to the HCT. The HCT issued a warning that the plan would result in the continued lack of supplies for large portions of Gaza, including the most vulnerable and less mobile individuals. "It contravenes fundamental humanitarian principles and appears designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic – as part of a military strategy," it said.

"It is dangerous, driving civilians into militarized areas to get food, putting lives in danger, including the lives of humanitarian workers, and enforcing forced displacement even more." On March 2, two weeks before resuming its offensive, Israel stopped all supplies and humanitarian aid to Gaza. Warehouses are empty, bakeries have closed, and community kitchens are days away from running out of supplies, according to the United Nations. As a result, the population is facing a renewed risk of hunger and malnutrition, the UN claims. Additionally, Gaza's overburdened healthcare system has been deprived of essential medicines, vaccines, and medical supplies due to the blockade. The UN says Israel is obliged under international law to ensure supplies for Gaza's population, almost all of whom have been displaced. Israel claims to be adhering to international law, and it receives ample aid. In response to an unprecedented cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage, the Israeli military launched a campaign to destroy Hamas. The Gaza health ministry, which is run by Hamas, says that at least 52,567 people have died in the territory since then, including 2,459 since the Israeli offensive began again.