Israel’s Security Cabinet Approves Expanded Offensive Against Hamas

Israel’s security cabinet has approved an expanded military plan to target Hamas in Gaza, which includes the “capture” and control of Gaza, according to an Israeli official. The plan also involves relocating Gaza’s 2.1 million residents south, potentially worsening the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed the plan, calling it essential to defeating Hamas and securing the return of hostages. The plan also includes the distribution of humanitarian aid through private companies, ending a two-month blockade that has caused severe food shortages. However, the UN and aid agencies have criticized this move, claiming it violates humanitarian principles, and have refused to cooperate. Hamas has branded the proposal as “political blackmail.”

The offensive, which resumed after a two-month ceasefire on March 18, aims to expand Israel’s military control, including seizing more areas of Gaza and increasing the “buffer zone” along the borders. The plan could take months to execute, with an initial focus on intensifying attacks against Hamas and its infrastructure.

However, critics argue the strategy is failing, as no hostages have been freed since the offensive resumed. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum criticized the government for prioritizing territory over the hostages, claiming this approach goes against the will of most Israelis.

International organizations, including the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), have warned that the plan could further destabilize the region, endanger civilians, and contravene international humanitarian law. The blockade has left Gaza facing dire shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies, with the population at risk of hunger and malnutrition.

Since the initial attack on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages, more than 52,500 people in Gaza have been killed. The situation remains dire as Israel intensifies its military operations.