Israel approves military plan to take control of Gaza strip

Israel has endorsed a broad military strategy that includes the capture and holding of Gaza territory, part of its ongoing offensive against Hamas.

The plan, backed unanimously by the security cabinet, is expected to unfold over several months and has already sparked concern among aid groups and families of hostages.

According to an Israeli official, the plan was presented by the military’s Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, and aims to dismantle Hamas, secure the release of remaining hostages, and push civilians in Gaza further south. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described it as a “good plan” that would meet the country’s objectives.

"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," the official stated.

Alongside the military proposal, the cabinet also gave initial approval to a new system for delivering humanitarian aid through private firms, ending a blockade that aid agencies say has left many in Gaza without food.

However, the United Nations and other humanitarian bodies have strongly opposed the proposal, calling it a violation of basic humanitarian standards and vowing not to take part in it.

The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), which includes UN agencies, said Israel’s plan seeks to “shut down the existing aid distribution system” and instead channel all supplies through Israeli-managed routes.

"It 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 HCT said.

Hamas condemned the new strategy, labelling it "political blackmail."

According to Israeli media reports, the military campaign will start with the seizure of more land and an expansion of the designated buffer zone along Gaza’s borders.

Officials believe these steps could strengthen Israel’s position in future talks with Hamas over a potential ceasefire and the release of hostages.

During a visit to a naval base, Lt Gen Zamir briefed special forces about the mobilisation of tens of thousands of reservists to support the operation.

"We are increasing the pressure with the aim of bringing our people home and defeating Hamas. We will operate in additional areas and destroy all terrorist infrastructure above and below ground," he said.

But the renewed offensive has yet to secure the release of any of the 59 hostages believed to still be held by Hamas. Critics argue the strategy is not delivering results and that the focus on territory undermines the effort to free the captives.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the decision showed that the government was putting land ahead of people’s lives.

"It is choosing territories over the hostages,” the forum said, adding that this move goes "against the will of over 70% of the people" in Israel.

Security cabinet member Zeev Elkin indicated that negotiations could still be possible before a visit to the region by United States President Donald Trump in mid-May.

"There is still a window of opportunity," he said, "if Hamas understands we are serious."

Despite wide support for the military plan within the cabinet, the distribution of humanitarian aid remains a point of contention.

The Israeli official said the new arrangement was meant to "prevent Hamas from taking control of supplies and would destroy its governmental capabilities," but humanitarian workers fear it may leave vulnerable groups cut off from critical assistance.

With the situation in Gaza growing more dire, aid agencies warn the plan could worsen conditions for people who are already struggling to survive.