Israel’s Security Cabinet Unveils Strategic Plan to Intensify Gaza Offensive: What You Need to Know

Israel’s security cabinet has decided to intensify its military operations against Hamas by planning to capture Gaza and maintain a presence there. This decision follows the mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists, with the objective of exerting greater pressure to bring back Israeli hostages and weaken Hamas.

Reports indicate that the military actions will only commence after a visit from US President Donald Trump next week. The cabinet also expressed tentative approval for resuming humanitarian aid deliveries through private companies, aiming to lift a blockade that has led to significant food shortages and hardship for the people of Gaza.

However, key humanitarian organizations, including the UN, have raised concerns that this plan violates essential humanitarian principles and have stated they won’t participate in this approach.

On March 18, Israel ended a two-month ceasefire, prompting fresh military actions in Gaza. During a recent meeting, the cabinet unanimously agreed to gradually expand ground operations, with the first phase focused on taking control of more areas and enlarging the “buffer zone” along the borders with Israel and Egypt. An Israeli official highlighted that this new phase significantly differs from previous actions by establishing a sustained military presence in Gaza.

Minister Zeev Elkin noted that there remains a chance for a hostage release before Trump’s visit, provided Hamas recognizes the seriousness of Israel’s intentions. The Israeli military’s Chief of Staff reinforced the need for increased operations, declaring that the goal is to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure.

Despite these military efforts, critics argue that such strategies have failed, as no hostages have been released since operations resumed six weeks ago. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents families of the hostages, accused the government of prioritizing territorial gains over the lives of hostages, a sentiment echoed by over 70% of Israelis surveyed.

Additionally, there are concerns about the humanitarian implications of the Israeli plan for aid distribution. The Humanitarian Country Team has warned that attempting to control aid distribution could exacerbate suffering for the most vulnerable individuals in Gaza, including those unable to access mobile supply points.

As of March 2, all humanitarian aid to Gaza was halted, in the lead-up to military actions. Under international law, Israel is expected to ensure that basic supplies reach the 2.1 million Palestinians in Gaza. However, Israel maintains that it is complying with these obligations and asserts there is no aid shortage.

The ongoing military campaign began as a response to a significant attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Since then, the death toll in Gaza has risen sharply, with over 52,000 casualties according to local health authorities.

Looking at the broader context, this situation reflects ongoing tensions in the region, underscoring the complexities of military engagement and humanitarian needs. As various factions grapple for control, the human cost continues to mount, raising urgent questions about the future and the need for sustainable resolutions.



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