Israel’s security cabinet approves expanded plan to occupy Gaza territory and deliver aid, source says

[](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-security-cabinet-backs-plans-expand-gaza-operation-media-reports-say-2025-05-02/)

The expanded plan to occupy Gaza and distribute aid has been approved by Israel's security cabinet. A significant escalation in Israel's military operations in Gaza was approved by the Security Cabinet on May 5, 2025, under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. New aid distribution mechanisms and a gradual expansion of Israeli military control over additional Gaza Strip territories are included in the plan. Reuters][1])

### Mobilization of Reserve Forces and Military Expansion Under Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir's command, the Israeli military will expand its operations in Gaza. In preparation for expanded ground operations, tens of thousands of reserve soldiers are being called up. The primary objectives of these operations are to rescue hostages held by Hamas and to dismantle Hamas's military infrastructure. With established security corridors like the Morag Corridor, which divides Gaza into separate sections with restricted movement, Israel currently controls approximately half of the Strip. Reuters, AP News, and Wikipedia, respectively) ### International Response and Plans for Humanitarian Aid Concurrently, the Security Cabinet has approved a new plan for delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. As part of this strategy, "humanitarian hubs" under Israeli control will be set up where aid will be given to approved Palestinians. The aid will be channeled through the Kerem Shalom crossing, which is under Israeli control, and not through the Rafah crossing, which connects Gaza to Egypt .([ The Guardian] (p. However, this proposed aid delivery mechanism has faced significant criticism from international organizations. The United Nations and various humanitarian groups have rejected the plan, arguing that it violates fundamental humanitarian principles and would not effectively reach Gaza's most vulnerable populations .([ Axios][5])

### Humanitarian Crisis and Legal Scrutiny

Since the resumption of hostilities in March 2025, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has significantly deteriorated. More than 52,000 Palestinians, most of whom are civilians, have been killed, and more than 90% of the people living in Gaza have been forced to relocate multiple times. Hunger and malnutrition are widespread as a result of the collapse of critical infrastructure and the cessation of essential services. (AP News, [2], The Guardian, [6] International condemnation of Israel's ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid has resulted. Critics argue that withholding aid until hostages are released constitutes a form of collective punishment and violates international humanitarian law. These issues need to be addressed, and the International Court of Justice has been asked to do so. [6] The Guardian]) ### In the end The approval of a new aid distribution strategy and an expanded military strategy for Gaza by the Israeli Security Cabinet is a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. Human rights advocates and international organizations continue to raise concerns about the impact on civilians and the adherence to international legal standards, despite Israel's assertion that these measures are necessary for humanitarian and security purposes. Reuters][1])

* (https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-cabinet-approves-expansion-gaza-offensive-broadcaster-kan-reports-2025-05-05/) utm_source=chatgpt.com)

* (https://apnews.com/article/d22caabfd2cf89e83fe06e649e6438ba? utm_source=chatgpt.com)

* (https://www.axios.com/2025/05/04/un-rejects-israel-gaza-aid-plan? utm_source=chatgpt.com)

[1]: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-cabinet-approves-expansion-gaza-offensive-broadcaster-kan-reports-2025-05-05/? "Israeli cabinet approves expansion of Gaza offensive, broadcaster Kan reports," utm_source=chatgpt.com [2]: https://apnews.com/article/d22caabfd2cf89e83fe06e6438ba? "Israel approves plans to intensify Gaza operations, official says," utm_source=chatgpt.com [3]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morag_Corridor? utm_source="Morag Corridor" on chatgpt.com [4]: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/28/israel-proposes-gaza-plan-that-gives-it-tighter-military-control-than-before-war? utm_source=chatgpt.com "Israel proposes Gaza plan that gives it tighter military control than before war | Gaza | The Guardian"

[5]: https://www.axios.com/2025/05/04/un-rejects-israel's gaza aid plan? "UN and aid groups denounce Israeli-U.S. plan for Gaza aid delivery," utm_source=chatgpt.com [6]: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/may/04/the-guardian's view on Israel's aid blockade of Gaza as a weapon of war? "The Guardian view on Israel's aid blockade of Gaza: hunger as a weapon of war" utm_source=chatgpt.com