TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel has approved plans to seize the Gaza Strip and maintain a military presence in the Palestinian territory for an indefinite period. This decision, made during an early morning vote by Israeli Cabinet ministers, signals a significant escalation in Israel's operations in Gaza and is expected to provoke strong international backlash.
The new strategy reportedly includes plans for the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from northern Gaza to the southern part of the territory, worsening the humanitarian crisis in an area already facing dire conditions. Specific details of the plan have not been officially disclosed, and its timing remains uncertain, but it comes amidst a military build-up as the Israeli army has called up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers. This initiative may aim to increase pressure on Hamas during ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
According to a defense official, the implementation of this plan is likely to commence following U.S. President Donald Trump's anticipated visit to the Middle East later this month, suggesting that Israel may consider a temporary ceasefire in the interim. The military's aggressive stance is part of a broader effort to compel Hamas to concede to its demands for a truce.
On the same day, the Israeli military conducted a series of airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels in Hodeida, Yemen. This offensive was in response to previous missile attacks by the Iranian-backed rebels that targeted Israel's main airport. Reports indicate that these strikes impacted multiple locations, including the port in Hodeida.
Israel's potential reoccupation of Gaza—after having withdrawn in 2005—raises critical concerns about the future of Palestinian statehood and the governance of a population that has shown deep hostility towards Israel. As Israel continues to assert its control, it now occupies around 50% of Gaza, with military operations intensifying since the expiration of a ceasefire with Hamas in mid-March, resulting in significant Palestinian casualties and displacement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the latest Cabinet decision as part of a “powerful operation in Gaza,” which includes relocating populations for their protection. The plan aims to assert Israeli control over humanitarian aid distribution, with Israeli officials accusing Hamas of misappropriating aid. However, the U.N. office responsible for humanitarian coordination has denied significant diversion of aid and criticized Israel’s approach as a pressure tactic.
Israel has reached out to several countries regarding Trump's contentious plan for Gaza, which entails relocating its population under the guise of “voluntary emigration.” This proposal has drawn widespread international condemnation, including from some of Israel’s European allies, with rights organizations warning it could constitute a violation of international law.
Faced with ongoing military operations and increasing humanitarian needs, the urgency for ceasefire negotiations has escalated. Families of hostages held by Hamas have expressed concern that the military campaign jeopardizes their loved ones' safety and have urged the Israeli government to prioritize securing their release. Some reservists have even indicated their intention to refuse deployment, viewing the war as politically driven.
To further separate aid distribution from Hamas control, the defense official mentioned plans to employ private companies and secure regions for humanitarian logistics, although the U.N. has expressed its refusal to participate, stating that such an arrangement conflicts with its foundational principles of neutrality and accessibility.
In summary, as Israeli strategies evolve amidst ongoing military campaigns, the situation in Gaza faces escalating humanitarian crises alongside complex political negotiations, with the pressing need for solutions becoming more critical as casualties rise and international scrutiny intensifies.
