Israel has approved a plan to take over the entire Gaza Strip and remain in the Palestinian territory for an indefinite period, according to two Israeli officials cited on Monday, reports RFE.
If implemented, the plan would significantly expand Israel’s operations in Gaza and is likely to face strong international opposition.
The Israeli cabinet approved the plan in the early morning hours, shortly after the Chief of Staff announced that the army is calling up tens of thousands of reservists.
Officials stated that the goal is to achieve Israel’s war objectives — defeating Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist group by both the U.S. and EU, and securing the release of hostages still held in Gaza.
The plan also envisions the forced relocation of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to the southern part of Gaza, which would worsen an already severe humanitarian crisis. One of the officials noted that implementation would be gradual, to allow space for ceasefire negotiations and a possible hostage release deal. Both officials spoke under condition of anonymity.
Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 after decades of occupation, later imposing a joint blockade with Egypt. Reoccupying Gaza indefinitely would not only eliminate hopes for a Palestinian state but place Israel deep within hostile territory, raising questions about governance and the legal ramifications of its control.
Since ending a ceasefire with Hamas in mid-March, Israel has launched intense assaults on Gaza, reportedly killing hundreds and seizing large parts of the territory, which now amounts to about 50% of the Strip.
Before the ceasefire broke down, Israel had also halted all humanitarian aid, including food, fuel, and water — triggering what is believed to be the most severe humanitarian crisis in nearly two years of war.
The war began after Hamas-led militants launched an attack on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. Israel claims that 59 hostages remain in Gaza, though it believes around 35 are likely dead.
According to Palestinian health officials, over 52,000 people have been killed in Gaza, many of them women and children.
The newly approved Israeli plan includes the full seizure and retention of the Gaza Strip, along with measures to prevent Hamas from distributing international aid — which Israel argues strengthens the group’s control. However, it has not provided concrete evidence for such claims, and aid workers insist that the UN closely monitors all distribution.
Israel is reportedly engaging with several countries regarding Trump’s controversial proposal to take control of Gaza and relocate its population under what is being called “voluntary emigration.” This idea has been widely condemned — even by Israel’s European allies — and human rights groups have warned it may constitute a war crime under international law.
