Israeli government approves expansion of ground operation in Gaza

The Israeli government has approved a plan to expand the ground operation against Hamas, which includes moving Gaza's civilian population south of the enclave.

Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to significantly expand the ground operation against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, The Times of Israel reports. At the same time, the country's military leadership has warned the government that this could put hostages there at risk.

The plan, dubbed "Gideon's Chariots," involves "conquering Gaza and seizing territory." According to the chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, the military operation will allow the Israeli army to control areas in Gaza, evacuate the enclave's civilian population to the south, attack Hamas, and control humanitarian aid.

The expansion of the ground operation will be carried out in stages, with intense fighting expected to continue for several months.

It is emphasized that the plan is expected to be implemented after US President Donald Trump's visit to the region from May 13 to 16, and until then, efforts to reach an agreement with Hamas on a ceasefire and the release of hostages will continue, Israeli media reported.

The Security Council also approved the resumption of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, but the mechanism for distributing aid will be changed. International organizations and private security contractors will distribute food boxes directly to families in Gaza, and mass storage and distribution will be abolished.

Israel hopes the changes will make it harder for Hamas fighters to seize aid. The Israeli army is not directly involved in distributing the aid, but soldiers provide external security for contractors and international organizations.

After a two-month truce, the IDF resumed fighting in the Gaza Strip on March 18. The Israeli military later launched a new ground operation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said that the war will continue until Hamas is completely defeated.

Hamas continues to hold 58 Israelis hostage, who were kidnapped on October 7, 2023. 23 of them are believed to be alive.