Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Gaza’s population will be relocated after Israel’s security cabinet approved a wider military campaign in the territory, which one minister described as a plan to "conquer" Gaza.
The decision, made Sunday, followed a military announcement that tens of thousands of reservists would be mobilized to increase operational capacity in Gaza. In a video statement Monday, Netanyahu said Israel does not intend to carry out limited raids but aims to hold captured areas long-term. "We’re not going in and then pulling out," he said. "We will move the population for their protection."
A senior Israeli security official said the operation—called “Gideon’s Chariots”—was unanimously approved to defeat Hamas and secure the release of Israeli hostages. Implementation will begin after U.S. President Donald Trump visits the region next week, allowing time for a potential hostage deal. If no deal is reached, the offensive will proceed at full strength.
The plan includes relocating Gaza’s population to the southern part of the strip, after which humanitarian aid restrictions may be eased. The official stated the military would remain in all seized areas, and Israel would maintain a security buffer zone around Gaza to prevent weapons smuggling and protect nearby Israeli communities.
Military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said the primary goal is to bring hostages home, followed by Hamas’ defeat. His statement conflicted with Netanyahu’s earlier claim that defeating Israel’s enemies is the top priority. Defrin’s comments drew criticism from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who accused him of overstepping military authority.
Some hostage families criticized the expanded campaign, fearing it could endanger hostages and deprioritize negotiations for their release.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a key figure in the right-wing coalition, said Israel aims to fully conquer Gaza and could consider annexation. He insisted there would be no withdrawal from captured areas, even if Hamas agrees to release hostages.
Since mid-March, Israeli strikes have killed more than 2,400 Palestinians, with over 52,000 reported dead since the war began, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The UN expressed concern about further civilian casualties due to the planned expansion.
The Israeli cabinet is also considering a new mechanism to resume humanitarian aid deliveries. While details remain unclear, the system is expected to bypass Hamas and involve oversight by an unnamed private foundation. The U.S. and Israel are in talks to finalize the plan.
Aid organizations criticized the proposed mechanism, saying it undermines humanitarian principles and restricts access to essential supplies. UN leaders warned they would not participate in any plan that compromises neutrality or independence.
Meanwhile, Israel's blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza has entered its ninth week.
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