Israel approves plan to occupy Gaza, drastically scale up military offensive against Hamas
Share this @internewscast.com

Israel has sanctioned a new strategy to significantly intensify its military campaign against Hamas — aiming to take control of the entire Gaza and govern its territories, officials announced on Monday.

In an early morning vote, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved these updated military strategies just hours after the Israeli military leader revealed plans to call up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers to confront the militant group.

The plan would be gradual and take months, and involves powerful strikes against Hamas targets.

For weeks, Israel has been trying to ratchet up pressure on Hamas after high-profile ceasefire talks collapsed in mid-March.

The specifics of these plans were highlighted as Israel’s IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir informed troops earlier Sunday that the nation was escalating its activities in the Palestinian territory, as reported by Israel’s public broadcaster Kan.

“This week, we are issuing tens of thousands of call-up orders to our reservists in order to intensify and expand our operation in Gaza,” Zamir said.

“We are increasing the pressure with the goal of bringing our people back and defeating Hamas. We will operate in additional areas and destroy all infrastructure above and below ground.”

The new offensive plan could leave the door open for a ceasefire and hostage release deal talks ahead of President Trump’s visit to the region next week, Security Cabinet Minister Zeev Elkin said.

“There is still a window of opportunity until President Trump concludes his visit to the Middle East, if Hamas understands we are serious,” Elkin told the outlet.

Already in control of roughly a third of Gaza’s territory, Israel resumed ground operations in March after the collapse of the US-backed ceasefire that had halted fighting for two months.

Israel has since imposed a total blockade of aid into the region.

Elkin said that rather than launching raids in specific areas and then leaving them, Israeli forces will now hold the territories they seize — until Hamas is defeated or agrees to disarm and leave Gaza.

With Post wires

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Palmdale Street shooting on Jacksonville's Northwest side leaves man dead

Teen Among Five Injured in Arlington House Party Shooting Following Heated Argument

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — An early morning house party in Jacksonville’s Arlington area…
Several elephants killed in train collision as impact causes multiple coaches to derail

Tragic Train Collision Claims Elephant Lives and Derails Multiple Coaches: Urgent Call for Wildlife Safety Measures

In a tragic incident early Saturday, a high-speed passenger train struck a…
Former Australian minister says ‘radical Islam pulled the trigger’ in nation's worst terror attack

Ex-Australian Minister Claims ‘Radical Islam’ Behind Nation’s Deadliest Terror Attack

EXCLUSIVE: A former Australian government minister has attributed the country’s deadliest terrorist…
Cruise ship chaos mounts as deaths, crimes on board shatter illusions of safety at sea, experts warn

Cruise Ship Concerns Escalate: Experts Highlight Rising Onboard Incidents and Safety Challenges

Cruise ships have long been a popular choice for American vacationers, offering…
NC plane crash: Passenger texted family member ahead of crash that killed Greg Biffle and family, NTSB says

Tragic North Carolina Plane Crash: Passenger’s Final Text Revealed Before Incident Claims Lives of Greg Biffle and Family, Reports NTSB

STATESVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is actively…
Australian state weighs ban on 'globalize the intifada' chants, masked protesters in wake of Hanukkah attack

Australian State Considers Ban on Controversial Chants and Masks Post-Hanukkah Attack

In New South Wales, Australia, authorities are considering a prohibition on the…
CNN staffers are reportedly loathing a potential Paramount Skydance takeover -- but don't expect the Ellisons to kill the news agency

Why CNN Staffers Fear a Paramount Skydance Takeover: The Inside Scoop on the Ellison’s Impact

Within the corridors of CNN, there’s a palpable sense of relief as…
Trump: 'Obamacare Was Created to Make Insurance Companies Rich'

Trump Criticizes Obamacare, Claims It Benefited Insurance Giants Over Americans

In a fiery address delivered in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, former President…
US envoy Witkoff says high-level Miami talks focused on 'unified Gazan authority' as Israel ceasefire advances

US Envoy Witkoff Highlights Miami Discussions on Establishing a ‘Unified Gazan Authority’ Amid Progress in Israel Ceasefire

Efforts to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire plan are…
Blue Origin safely launches wheelchair user to space and back

Historic Blue Origin Mission: First Wheelchair User Successfully Travels to Space and Returns

In a remarkable achievement for space travel and inclusivity, Blue Origin, led…
After firing Steve Wilks, Aaron Glenn needs to get next DC hire right

Aaron Glenn Faces Crucial Decision: Finding the Right Defensive Coordinator After Steve Wilks’ Departure

Jets head coach Aaron Glenn is proactively searching for a new defensive…
US forces stop 2nd merchant vessel off coast of Venezuela, American officials say; President Trump ramps up pressure on Maduro

US Forces Intercept Second Merchant Vessel Near Venezuelan Coast, Officials Report; President Trump Intensifies Pressure on Maduro

In a significant development off the coast of Venezuela, U.S. forces intercepted…