The Israeli government has approved a plan to expand its operation in Gaza, with the goal of defeating Hamas and seizing control of the territory. The plan, which was approved by the Ministerial Committee on Security, aims to intensify the fight against Hamas in Gaza and bring back Israeli captives held by the terrorist group. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has called up thousands of reservists to join the battle, with the aim of defeating Hamas and freeing the captives.
The operation is expected to be a long and complex one, with the IDF stating that it will take several months to complete. The plan involves a gradual expansion of the operation, with the initial focus on a specific area, followed by a wider expansion. The IDF has warned that the operation will be difficult and may result in a significant number of casualties. The Israeli military has also stated that it will not allow Hamas to provide humanitarian aid to the population in the southern part of Gaza, and will instead take full control of the area.
The approval of the plan comes amidst widespread criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the crisis, particularly with regards to the failure to secure the release of Israeli captives held by Hamas. The latest development is seen as an attempt to address the criticism and demonstrate a more assertive approach to dealing with Hamas. The IDF has stated that the operation will target all of Hamas’s underground infrastructure, both above and below ground, in an effort to weaken the terrorist group’s capabilities.
The decision to launch a large-scale operation in Gaza has been met with concern from the international community, with many expressing fears of a significant escalation of the conflict. The United Nations and other organizations have called for restraint and a return to negotiations, but the Israeli government appears determined to press ahead with its plans. The situation in Gaza remains highly volatile, with the potential for further violence and instability in the region.