Escalating Conflict in the Middle East
JERUSALEM —Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday an expanded offensive against Palestinian militant group Hamas would be “intensive” after his security cabinet approved plans that may include seizing the Gaza Strip and controlling aid.
The decision, after weeks of faltering efforts to agree a ceasefire with Hamas, underlines the threat that a war heaping international pressure on Israel amid dwindling public support at home could continue with no end in sight.
Israeli Plans for Gaza
Netanyahu said in a video message the operation would be “intensive” and would see more Palestinians in Gaza moved “for their own safety”.
He said Israeli troops would not follow previous tactics based on short raids by forces based outside Gaza. “The intention is the opposite,” he said, echoing comments from other Israeli officials who have said Israel would hold on to the ground it has seized.
Israeli troops have already taken over an area amounting to around a third of Gaza, displacing the population and building watchtowers and surveillance posts on cleared ground the military has described as security zones, but the new plan would go further.
The Israeli military, which throughout the war has shown little appetite for occupying Gaza, declined to comment on the remarks by government officials and politicians.
Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Monday, May 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Israel resumed its offensive in March after the collapse of a U.S.-backed ceasefire that had halted fighting for two months. It has since imposed an aid blockade, drawing warnings from the UN that the 2.3 million population faces imminent famine.
Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi rejected what he called “pressure and blackmail”.
“No deal except a comprehensive one, which includes a complete ceasefire, full withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, and the release of all prisoners from both sides,” he said.
Aid Distribution and Blockade
Ministers have said that aid distribution cannot be left to international organizations which it accuses of allowing Hamas to seize supplies intended for civilians.
Instead, officials have looked at plans for private contractors to handle distribution, through what the United Nations has described as Israeli hubs.
On Monday, Jan Egeland, secretary-general of the Norwegian Refugee Council, said on X that Israel was demanding that the U.N. and non-governmental organisations shut down their aid distribution system in Gaza.
Public Opinion and Protests
Opinion polls show the Israeli public increasingly wants a deal to bring back the remaining 59 hostages still held in Gaza and there were angry scenes outside parliament with dozens of protesters scuffling with police.
“All the families are tired,” said Ruby Chen, whose son Itay was killed in the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. “All the families have been scared about this new manoeuvring because there is no guarantee that it will get us to where the families want.”
Military Operations and Constraints
With Israel facing threats from the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, who on Sunday fired a missile that hit close to Ben Gurion Airport, an unstable Syria next door and a volatile situation in the occupied West Bank, the capacity for prolonged military operations also faces growing constraints.
Israel’s Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said on Sunday that the military has already begun issuing tens of thousands of call-up orders for reservists.
A government spokesman said reserve soldiers were being called up to expand operations in Gaza, not to occupy it.
The war was triggered by the Hamas October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli tallies, and saw 251 taken hostage into Gaza.
Israel’s ground and air campaign in Gaza has since killed more than 52,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians according to local health authorities, and left much of Gaza in ruins.
Conclusion
The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, with Israel’s security cabinet approving plans for an expanded offensive against Hamas. The situation in Gaza remains dire, with a humanitarian crisis unfolding due to the aid blockade and ongoing military operations. As the conflict continues, it is unclear what the future holds for the people of Gaza and the region as a whole.
FAQs
What is the current situation in Gaza?
The current situation in Gaza is dire, with a humanitarian crisis unfolding due to the aid blockade and ongoing military operations. The 2.3 million population faces imminent famine, and there are reports of widespread destruction and displacement.
What are the Israeli plans for Gaza?
The Israeli plans for Gaza include an expanded offensive against Hamas, which may include seizing the Gaza Strip and controlling aid distribution. The Israeli military has already taken over a third of Gaza, and there are reports of plans to expand operations further.
What is the international response to the conflict?
The international response to the conflict has been varied, with some countries calling for a ceasefire and others supporting Israel’s right to self-defense. The United Nations has warned of an imminent famine in Gaza and has called for an end to the aid blockade.
What is the impact on civilians?
The impact on civilians has been severe, with reports of widespread destruction, displacement, and loss of life. The conflict has also had a significant impact on the mental health and well-being of civilians, particularly children.
