Israel okays plan to intensify military operation in Gaza

Israel's security cabinet approved plans to expand its military offensive in the Gaza Strip, according to public broadcaster Kan, and has begun calling up tens of thousands of its reserve soldiers.

Israel's new offensive in the Gaza Strip will be an intensive military operation aimed at defeating Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday after his Security Cabinet unanimously approved a plan to seize the entire Palestinian enclave.

During a “powerful” new operation in Gaza, Palestinian civilians will be moved for their own protection, Netanyahu said in a video posted on social media, adding that his forces would not launch raids inside the enclave and then retreat.

Israel, before the last ceasefire went into effect, had already taken full control of a third of Gaza.

The besieged enclave has been under the longest blockade of humanitarian aid since the war began in October 2023, as Israel’s total ban on the entry of all goods, including food, fuel and medical supplies, enters its third month. As a result the risk of famine hangs over Gaza’s population, prompting alarm even among some of Israel’s closest allies.

The United Nations on Sunday rejected an Israeli proposal for aid distribution, describing it as “Israeli hubs under conditions set by the Israeli military.” It added that the plan was “dangerous” and appeared to “reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic,” and would mean that large parts of Gaza, including the less mobile and most vulnerable people, would continue to go without supplies.

https://www.nbcnews.com/world/israel/israel-gaza-intensify-military-operation-hamas-rcna204770

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