Israel’s security cabinet has approved a controversial plan to expand its military offensive against Hamas, marking a shift from targeted raids to an extended occupation of Gaza. The operation aims to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining Israeli hostages and to dismantle its infrastructure. Tens of thousands of Israeli reservists are being called up in preparation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet voted unanimously for a gradual ground campaign, with the initial phase targeting additional areas of Gaza and expanding the Israeli-designated buffer zone along the borders with Israel and Egypt. The military said the goal is to increase leverage in negotiations and ensure the safe return of hostages.
An Israeli official told Haaretz that this phase “differs from previous ones in that it moves from raid-based operations to the occupation of territory and a sustained Israeli presence in Gaza.” Security cabinet member Zeev Elkin added that there was still a “window of opportunity” for a hostage deal before US President Donald Trump’s visit to the region between 13 and 16 May.
However, critics say the plan prioritises territorial control over the lives of the hostages. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum described it as a betrayal of public will, claiming “over 70% of the people” want hostages prioritised over territory.
In parallel, the cabinet also approved a controversial plan to resume humanitarian aid deliveries through private companies—ending a two-month blockade. While the move appears to address growing international criticism over dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, it has drawn condemnation from UN agencies and aid groups, who say it violates humanitarian principles.
The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), a UN-led forum, accused Israel of attempting to “shut down the existing aid distribution system” and replace it with an Israeli-controlled mechanism. This, they warned, could lead to further civilian suffering and put aid workers at risk.
“This plan appears designed to control life-sustaining items as part of a military strategy,” the HCT said, cautioning that it may deepen forced displacement and drive civilians into dangerous, militarised areas.
Israel stopped all humanitarian aid to Gaza on 2 March. Nearly the entire population of Gaza—2.1 million people—has been displaced since the conflict reignited. The UN insists that under international law, Israel must ensure aid access to civilians, though Israel argues it is in compliance and that aid is available.
The military campaign began after the deadly Hamas-led incursion on 7 October 2023, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 kidnapped. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry, run by Hamas, says more than 52,500 people have been killed in Israeli strikes.
Melissa Enoch
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