Jerusalem /Gaza, May 6 – Israel’s security cabinet has approved a wide-ranging military plan to expand its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, including the capture and prolonged holding of territory, the forced movement of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents, and the restriction of humanitarian aid access, officials said on Monday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the operation aimed to destroy Hamas and secure the release of the remaining 59 Israeli hostages, describing it as a “forceful operation” that would not allow troops to simply “enter and come out.” The new strategy, endorsed unanimously by the cabinet on Sunday evening, was presented by military Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir.
“The plan will include, among other things, the capture of the Strip and holding the territories, moving the Gazan population south for its defence, denying Hamas the ability to distribute humanitarian supplies, and powerful attacks against Hamas,” an Israeli official told reporters.
Israeli media reported the offensive would begin with the seizure of new areas in Gaza and expansion of the “buffer zone” along its borders. A senior Israeli security official indicated the plan will be implemented after U.S. President Donald Trump visits Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar between May 13 and 16, providing what was described as a “window of opportunity” for Hamas to accept a ceasefire and hostage deal.
The cabinet also approved a new aid distribution system via private companies under military oversight, bypassing the United Nations and existing relief infrastructure. Israel said the move was necessary to prevent Hamas from commandeering supplies.
Aid agencies and UN bodies have condemned the proposal as a violation of international humanitarian law.
“This plan contravenes fundamental humanitarian principles and appears designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic – as part of a military strategy,” the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), which includes UN agencies, said in a statement.
The UN warned that most civilians, especially the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable, would be unable to access aid under the new distribution plan, particularly as airstrikes continue across the enclave. Gaza’s community kitchens say they are days away from running out of food.
President Trump reiterated his pledge to help deliver food to Palestinian civilians during his upcoming visit. However, the UK government said it “does not support an expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza,” while the European Union urged restraint to avoid “further casualties and suffering for the Palestinian population.”
In Jerusalem, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared that Israel was “going to finally occupy the Gaza Strip,” according to Reuters.
Although Israel withdrew settlers and troops from Gaza in 2005, the United Nations continues to consider Gaza as occupied territory due to Israel’s control over its borders, airspace, and maritime access.
Israel launched its military campaign following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, cross-border assault that left 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, at least 52,567 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began, including 2,459 deaths since the ceasefire broke down on March 18.
The expanded military campaign has faced growing criticism inside Israel. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum accused the government of prioritizing territory over rescuing hostages, claiming the move goes against the will of over 70% of the public. Palestinians in northern Gaza expressed defiance in the face of fresh displacement orders.
“We lived through unbearable conditions in what Israel claimed was a ‘safe zone’ in the south,” said 76-year-old Ahmed Shehata, who evacuated Gaza City last October with 60 relatives. “This time, we will not leave, even if Israel brings down the tents over our heads.”
Another resident, Osama Tawfiq, 48, said: “Israeli threats won’t scare us. We are staying in Gaza.”
