Israel security cabinet approves plan to ‘capture’ Gaza, official says

Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to expand its military offensive against Hamas. This plan includes the "capture" of Gaza and holding its territory. An Israeli official stated that it also involves moving 2.1 million Palestinians in Gaza southward, which may worsen the humanitarian crisis.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called this a "good plan." He believes it will defeat Hamas and help return remaining hostages. The cabinet also approved a plan to deliver humanitarian aid through private companies. This would end a two-month blockade that the UN says caused severe food shortages.

The UN and other aid agencies oppose this proposal, calling it a breach of humanitarian principles. They have stated they will not cooperate with it. Hamas described Israel's proposal as "political blackmail."

Netanyahu's security cabinet met on Sunday evening to discuss the Gaza offensive. This offensive resumed after Israel ended a two-month ceasefire on March 18. An Israeli official said ministers unanimously approved a plan from Lt Gen Eyal Zamir to defeat Hamas and return hostages.

The plan includes capturing Gaza, moving its population south for defense, and powerful attacks against Hamas. Israeli media reported that this operation could take months. The first stage involves seizing more areas of Gaza and expanding the buffer zone along its borders.

This strategy aims to give Israel leverage in negotiations with Hamas for a new ceasefire and hostage release deal. Security cabinet member Zeev Elkin mentioned there is still an opportunity for hostage release before President Trump's trip to the Middle East.

During a visit to a naval base, Lt Gen Zamir announced tens of thousands of reservists are being called up. He emphasized increasing pressure to bring home hostages and defeat Hamas by destroying all terrorist infrastructure.

Critics argue this strategy has failed since no hostages have been freed in six weeks. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the government is prioritizing territory over hostages, which goes against public sentiment in Israel.

The security cabinet also approved plans for humanitarian distribution if necessary. This aims to prevent Hamas from controlling supplies while weakening its governmental capabilities.

On Sunday, the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) warned that Israeli officials want to shut down existing aid distribution systems. They seek agreement on delivering supplies through Israeli hubs under military conditions once crossings reopen.

The HCT cautioned that many vulnerable people in Gaza would continue without supplies under this plan. They believe it violates fundamental humanitarian principles and serves as a military pressure tactic.

Israel cut off all deliveries of humanitarian aid on March 2, just before resuming its offensive. According to the UN, Gazans face renewed hunger risks due to empty warehouses and closed bakeries.

The blockade has also halted essential medicines needed by Gaza's healthcare system, which is overwhelmed with patients. The UN states Israel must ensure supplies for Gaza’s displaced population but claims Israel complies with international law regarding aid availability.

Israel launched its campaign against Hamas following an unprecedented cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostage. Since then, at least 52,567 people have died in Gaza according to its health ministry; 2,459 deaths occurred since the offensive resumed.