Israel's security cabinet approved a plan to expand the war in Gaza, including occupying the territory and displacing its population. This was approved unanimously by the cabinet, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The plan involves a gradual implementation over several months, starting in a devastated area of Gaza.
The plan is intended to secure the territory and remove civilians, ostensibly for their protection, although this is highly contested. The operation includes ongoing air strikes, eliminating terrorists, and dismantling infrastructure.
The plan has drawn international criticism, with the EU expressing concern and urging restraint. The UN is also critical of Israel's proposal to distribute aid through Israeli-controlled centers, and the NRC rejected participation in the scheme.
The US President Donald Trump is anticipated to visit the region. Minister Zeev Elkin suggested that the planned timeline could allow for negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release before Trump's arrival.
Israel maintains its stance that a ceasefire will only occur after achieving military objectives, rejecting immediate calls for a truce. The ongoing military operation, Operation Gideon's Chariots, aims to defeat Hamas and recover hostages.
The number of hostages remains a key issue, with conflicting accounts on the number still alive. There is a general sense of dissatisfaction with the lack of a clear strategy from Israel, with some suggesting that the government favors securing territory over the hostages' lives. Hamas insists on releasing hostages only as part of a larger agreement that involves an end to the war and Israeli withdrawal.
The conflict has led to significant casualties on both sides, with estimates indicating over 52,000 Palestinian deaths and concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Israel also experienced 1,200 deaths. The severe humanitarian crisis is aggravated by Israel's blockade of aid.