An Israeli army tank maneuvers in the Gaza Strip, is seen from southern Israel, Sunday, May 4, 2025. | Photo Credit: AP

Israel Cabinet approves plan for Gaza ‘conquest’ with expansion of military

The plan, approved by the Cabinet overnight, includes the holding of territories in the besieged Gaza Strip, the official said, and comes amid a push by Israel for Gaza’s people to leave the territory.

by · The Hindu

Israel’s security Cabinet approved the expansion of military operations in Gaza, including the “conquest” of the Palestinian territory, an official said on Monday (May 5, 2025), after the Army called up tens of thousands of reservists for the offensive.

It comes as the UN and aid organisations have repeatedly warned of the humanitarian catastrophe on the ground, with famine again looming after more than two months of a total Israeli blockade.

The plan, approved by the Cabinet overnight, includes the holding of territories in the besieged Gaza Strip, the official said, and comes amid a push by Israel for Gaza’s people to leave the territory.

Israel resumed major operations across Gaza on March 18 amid deadlock over how to proceed with a two-month ceasefire that had largely halted the war with Hamas, which was sparked by the militants’ October 2023 attack.

The Israeli official said the plan for expanded operations “will include, among other things, the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories, moving the Gaza population south for their protection”. The Cabinet, which includes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several Ministers, “unanimously approved” the plan aimed at defeating Gaza’s rulers Hamas and securing the return of hostages held in the territory.

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‘Powerful strikes’

The official source said the plan included “powerful strikes against Hamas”, without specifying their nature. On Sunday, army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said the military was calling up “tens of thousands” of reservists to expand its offensive.

Israeli media reported that the plan would not be implemented before U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the region next week.

The Health Ministry in Gaza on Sunday at least 2,436 people had been killed since Israel resumed its campaign on March 18, put the overall death toll from the war at 52,535, most of them women and children.

Published - May 05, 2025 10:23 am IST