Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed plans for an intensified military offensive in Gaza, aimed at defeating Hamas and extending Israeli control over parts of the enclave. The operation, approved unanimously by Israel’s security cabinet, will include ground advances, territorial occupation, and the relocation of Gaza’s civilian population further south.
In a video posted on X, Netanyahu said, “The intention is not to enter Gaza and then retreat. It is the opposite.” He reiterated that the planned operation would involve holding seized territory, rather than launching temporary raids.
The new strategy follows the collapse of a previous ceasefire and comes as Israel already controls around a third of Gaza. Israeli forces resumed ground operations in March and have since maintained a full blockade of aid entering the territory.
An Israeli official told media the offensive includes the “conquest” of Gaza and aims to prevent humanitarian aid from falling into Hamas hands. The official added that Netanyahu continues to support a proposal for the voluntary relocation of Gazans to neighboring countries such as Jordan and Egypt—an idea widely condemned by humanitarian organisations.
International reaction has been swift. The European Union warned the expansion would increase civilian suffering, urging Israel to “exercise the utmost restraint.” Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, called the plan “fundamentally against humanitarian principles,” accusing Israel of attempting to militarise humanitarian aid distribution.
UNICEF Ireland Executive Director Peter Power described the blockade and intensifying violence as “nothing short of barbaric and inhumane,” warning that Gaza is “approaching a worst-case scenario.” He said at least 57 children have died from malnutrition-related complications, and aid groups are unable to operate under the proposed conditions.
Meanwhile, Hamas has rejected Israeli demands for disarmament and withdrawal. The militant group still holds 58 hostages captured during its 7 October 2023 attack, which killed over 1,200 people in Israel. In retaliation, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has claimed more than 52,000 lives, according to the Hamas-run health ministry—most of them civilians.
Despite international calls for de-escalation, Israel is mobilising tens of thousands of reservists to support the next phase of the war. Cabinet minister Zeev Elkin said there remains a window for negotiations, particularly ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s expected visit to the region next week.
For now, the humanitarian crisis deepens as aid groups brace for further restrictions and civilians in Gaza continue to suffer amid ongoing military escalation.
