JERUSALEM – In a move signaling a potential and significant escalation of the conflict in the Gaza Strip, Israel’s security cabinet has reportedly approved a plan for the “capture” of the Palestinian territory. The decision, reached during a late-night meeting on Sunday, comes as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have called up tens of thousands of reservists, raising concerns of a full-scale ground offensive.
According to an Israeli official who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, the expanded military operations will include “the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories,” alongside the controversial measure of “moving the Gaza population south for their protection.” A separate senior security source indicated that a “central component of the plan is a large-scale evacuation of the entire Gazan population from the fighting zones… to areas in southern Gaza.”
The 1 decision by the security cabinet, which includes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and key ministers, was reportedly unanimous and aims to achieve the stated goals of defeating Hamas and securing the return of hostages still held in the territory. The plan also includes “powerful strikes against Hamas,” although the specifics of these operations remain undisclosed. Â
The announcement has already drawn sharp criticism and expressions of concern from international bodies. The European Union voiced its unease, urging restraint and warning that the plan “will result in further casualties and suffering for the Palestinian people.”
This development follows a resumption of major Israeli military operations across Gaza on March 18th, after a fragile two-month ceasefire largely collapsed. Since then, the IDF has intensified its aerial bombardments and expanded ground incursions across the Palestinian enclave. Gaza medical sources reported on Monday that Israeli airstrikes had killed at least 19 people.
The plan also appears to align with a long-standing proposal by US President Donald Trump for the “voluntary transfer” of Gaza’s population to neighboring countries, a concept that has been vehemently rejected by Arab nations and the Palestinians themselves.
Adding another layer of complexity, the Israeli security cabinet also approved a new framework for the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza, with the stated aim of preventing Hamas from seizing control of supplies and undermining its governance capabilities. This move has been met with skepticism and condemnation from UN agencies and aid organizations, who argue that it contravenes fundamental humanitarian principles and appears designed to exert pressure as part of a military strategy. Hamas has denounced the new aid framework as “political blackmail.”
Inside Israel, the proposed escalation has also ignited debate. While some citizens express support for decisive action against Hamas, families of the hostages held in Gaza have voiced fears that a large-scale offensive could further endanger their loved ones. An Israeli campaign group representing hostage families described the plan as “sacrificing” those still in captivity.
Opposition Leader Yair Lapid has also questioned the timing and objectives of mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists without a clear strategic goal beyond military action.
As the situation rapidly unfolds, the 2.3 million Palestinians trapped within the densely populated Gaza Strip brace for what appears to be a significant and potentially devastating new phase of the conflict. The international community watches with increasing alarm as the prospect of a full-scale Israeli operation to “capture” Gaza looms large.