Israel’s security cabinet has greenlit an aggressive new military strategy for Gaza that includes capturing the entire territory and relocating over two million Palestinians further south, an Israeli official confirmed on Monday.

The move, aimed at defeating Hamas and securing the release of Israeli hostages, is expected to escalate both the military conflict and the humanitarian emergency unfolding in the enclave.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the plan as “a good one,” asserting it would help dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure while bringing back hostages still held in Gaza. The decision follows a resumed offensive that began on March 18, after the collapse of a two-month ceasefire.

The strategy, designed by Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, reportedly involves intensifying air and ground operations, creating a deeper buffer zone along Gaza's borders, and preventing Hamas from distributing humanitarian aid. Tens of thousands of reservists have been called up, and operations are set to expand into additional areas.

“This includes capturing the Strip, relocating the population southward, and launching sustained strikes on Hamas targets above and below ground,” the unnamed Israeli official stated.

While the cabinet also approved a proposal to allow private companies to distribute humanitarian supplies—potentially ending a two-month total aid blockade—the United Nations and humanitarian groups have sharply rejected the plan. The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), which includes multiple UN agencies, called it a “violation of basic humanitarian principles,” accusing Israel of trying to exert military control over vital aid.

“It’s a dangerous precedent,” said the HCT. “This plan forces displaced civilians to enter militarized zones for basic survival, placing them and aid workers in immediate danger.”

Israel has blocked all aid into Gaza since March 2, crippling medical facilities, halting bakery operations, and pushing the population to the brink of famine. UN officials warn that Gaza’s food warehouses are now empty and community kitchens are running out of stock.

More than 52,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the war began in October 2023, including over 2,400 in the last six weeks, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The conflict was triggered by a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken, according to Israeli authorities.

Critics within Israel are also voicing concern. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents the relatives of captives still in Gaza, accused Netanyahu’s government of prioritizing land control over the safe return of the remaining 59 hostages.

“This is not what most Israelis want. The government is ignoring public will by choosing territory over lives,” a spokesperson said.

Security cabinet member Zeev Elkin hinted at a narrow window for diplomacy, suggesting a potential hostage deal could still be reached before the upcoming U.S. visit by former President Donald Trump in mid-May, should Hamas “recognize Israel's resolve.”

However, Hamas dismissed the Israeli plan outright, calling it “political blackmail” aimed at entrenching occupation under the guise of military necessity.

International human rights bodies continue to warn that Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza may violate international law, which obligates occupying powers to ensure the welfare of civilian populations. Israel, however, maintains that it is acting in compliance with legal standards and blames Hamas for obstructing aid distribution.

As fighting intensifies, the future of Gaza—and its 2.1 million residents—remains uncertain, caught in the crossfire of military ambitions and humanitarian collapse.


By WafricNews Desk.