Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to expand its military offensive against Hamas which includes the “capture” of Gaza and the holding of its territory, according to an Israeli official.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the cabinet had decided on a “forceful operation” to destroy Hamas and rescue its remaining hostages, and that Gaza’s 2.1 million population “will be moved, to protect it”.
He did not say how much territory would be seized by troops, but he stressed that “they will not enter and come out”.
The cabinet also approved, in principle, a plan to deliver aid through private companies, which would end a two-month blockade the UN says has caused severe food shortages.
The UN and other aid agencies have said the proposal would be a breach of basic humanitarian principles and that they will not co-operate.
A Hamas official said the group rejected Israel’s “pressure and blackmail”.
Asked about the Israeli plan to expand its offensive, President Donald Trump repeated a pledge to help get food to Palestinians there.
The UK meanwhile said it “does not support an expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza”. The EU earlier urged restraint, saying it was concerned about “further casualties and suffering for the Palestinian population”.
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Israel’s security cabinet met on Sunday evening to discuss the Gaza offensive, which resumed when Israel ended a two-month ceasefire on 18 March.
An Israeli official who briefed the media on Monday morning said ministers voted unanimously to approve a plan proposed by the Israeli military’s Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir to “defeat Hamas in Gaza and return the hostages”.
“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 said.
