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
