Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to escalate the offensive in Gaza, including the occupation of the Gaza Strip and continued control over captured areas, a senior Israeli official said Monday.
The ministers "unanimously" approved the operational plan, the official said on condition of anonymity. The vote came hours after military chief Eyal Zamir announced that "tens of thousands" of call-up orders for reservists would be issued this week to intensify the offensive.
The operation would not be implemented before U.S. President Donald Trump concludes his visit to the Middle East next week, according to a report by the Times of Israel.
The cabinet also approved a framework for the possible future entry of humanitarian aid to the devastated enclave, which Israel has completely blockaded since March 2 following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement. It was not immediately clear when aid deliveries might resume.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) issued a statement on Sunday opposing Israel's new plan for distributing aid in the Gaza Strip and condemned the Israeli authorities' attempt to militarize humanitarian assistance.
The statement warned that Israel's plan could jeopardize the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers, and may prevent people with limited mobility in much of the Gaza Strip from accessing essential aid.
Hamas issued a statement on Monday condemning Israel for using humanitarian aid as political blackmail and expressed support for the United Nations' stance on the issue.
Israel ended a two-month ceasefire with Hamas in March and resumed its air and ground operations. According to Gaza health authorities, more than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed since the Israeli offensive began in October 2023.
Israel approves plan to expand military operations, occupy Gaza: official
Israel approves plan to expand military operations, occupy Gaza: official
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
