The Israeli security cabinet has now reportedly voted in favor of a new ground operation that involves capturing the Gaza Strip.
According to an Israeli official, “conquering the strip and holding the territory” is part of the war plan that was agreed on Monday.
The official did not specify how long Israeli troops would be there or if the occupation would cover the entire enclave or just strategic sectors.
Since a temporary cease-fire in March broke down, it signifies a change in Israel’s approach.
Israel conducted its first land campaign by raiding Hamas strongholds and then withdrawing, which allowed the terrorist organization designated by the United States to re-infiltrate territories after the army left.
In order to prevent Hamas from rebuilding, the cabinet has now approved a plan that calls for retaining territory.
The occupation plan follows the inauguration of Eyal Zamir, a new military chief of staff who assumed the position in early March following the resignation of his predecessor.
Since the truce ended, Israel has gradually increased the pressure on Hamas. Later in the month, aerial bombardment and limited ground operations were resumed after the blockade of all relief and commercial items.
According to authorities, Israel’s cabinet also authorized the call-up of thousands of reservists to support operations in Gaza as part of the war plan.
They predicted that the number of reservists who will be activated would grow over time, possibly reaching tens of thousands.
Aid organizations have warned that supplies of basic necessities like food, fuel, clean water, and medication are running dangerously low, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and increasing the likelihood of looting as desperation grows. As a result, Israel has faced pressure to lift the ban on humanitarian goods.
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