TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel’s security cabinet has unanimously approved a sweeping military plan to expand operations in Gaza, including the “capture” and prolonged control of territory within the coastal enclave, as part of its broader campaign to dismantle Hamas and secure the return of hostages, an Israeli official said Monday.
The plan, drafted by Israeli military Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, also calls for forcibly moving much of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents toward the southern part of the Strip for what officials described as “their defense.” The strategy is expected to unfold over several months and includes the expansion of a buffer zone along the border.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the proposal a “good plan” that serves dual goals: the destruction of Hamas and the return of hostages still held in Gaza. The approval marks a major escalation following the end of a two-month ceasefire on March 18.
“The plan will include, among other things, the capture of the Strip and holding the territories, moving the Gazan population south for its defense, denying Hamas the ability to distribute humanitarian supplies, and powerful attacks against Hamas,” the unnamed Israeli official told reporters during a briefing.
Israeli media reported the strategy will unfold in phases, beginning with the seizure of additional areas in northern and central Gaza. Officials hope the military escalation will create negotiating leverage in renewed talks over a ceasefire and the release of the remaining 59 hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 attacks.
During a visit to a naval base Sunday, Lt. Gen. Zamir addressed Israeli special forces, stating that tens of thousands of reservists were being activated to reinforce and extend operations in Gaza.
“We are increasing the pressure with the aim of bringing our people home and defeating Hamas,” he said. “We will operate in additional areas and destroy all terrorist infrastructure — above and below ground.”
The cabinet also gave preliminary approval for a controversial proposal to reroute humanitarian aid through private companies, bypassing existing UN-led distribution networks. This could bring an end to a two-month aid blockade that the United Nations says has brought Gaza’s population to the brink of starvation.
However, UN agencies and humanitarian organizations have sharply criticized the plan. The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), which coordinates relief efforts in Gaza, said Sunday that Israel’s new strategy violates international law and basic humanitarian principles.
“Israeli authorities are trying to dismantle the existing aid distribution system and force delivery through Israeli-controlled hubs under military-defined conditions,” the HCT said in a statement. “This approach would drive civilians into militarized zones to collect rations, threaten humanitarian workers, and further entrench forced displacement.”
The UN also warned that the most vulnerable in Gaza — including the elderly, disabled, and internally displaced — will be unable to access aid under the new model, leaving them without food, medicine, or shelter.
Israel fully cut off humanitarian deliveries on March 2, citing Hamas interference and security risks. Since then, the UN reports that aid warehouses have been emptied, bakeries have shut down, and community kitchens are within days of closure. The health system, already strained, is reportedly near collapse due to a lack of medicine, vaccines, and equipment.
Despite international criticism, Israeli officials maintain that they are in compliance with humanitarian obligations. They argue that Hamas has exploited aid channels and must be removed from any role in distribution.
The new plan has drawn domestic criticism as well, particularly from families of hostages still held by Hamas. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum accused the government of prioritizing territorial control over human life.
“This plan is an admission that the government is choosing territory over the hostages,” the group said. “That is against the will of more than 70% of the people in Israel.”
Security cabinet member Zeev Elkin told Israel’s Kan public broadcaster there remains a narrow window to negotiate a hostage release deal, possibly before President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to the Middle East from May 13 to 16.
“There’s still a window of opportunity — if Hamas understands that we are serious,” Elkin said.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise cross-border assault, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.
Since then, the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry says at least 52,567 Palestinians have been killed, including 2,459 since the offensive resumed in March.
While Israel insists it is targeting Hamas infrastructure, critics argue the high civilian toll and widespread destruction reflect a disproportionate use of force. Nearly the entire population of Gaza has been displaced, according to the United Nations.
