Israel's security cabinet has approved a decision to expand military operations in Gaza and create a new framework for providing aid, international media reported. The vote came hours after the army said it would mobilize tens of thousands of reservists, bolstering its capacity to operate in the besieged Palestinian territory.
An Israeli official said that Israel's new plan for the war in Gaza includes "occupying the territory and staying there." The Israeli military will displace the Palestinian population in southern Gaza while carrying out "powerful attacks" against Hamas, the Israeli official said, citing CNN.
More than 2,400 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since mid-March, when Israel launched a wave of deadly attacks, shattering a ceasefire that had been in place for nearly two months. More than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the war began, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
The escalation of fighting will be gradual to give a chance for a renewed ceasefire and hostage release deal before U.S. President Donald Trump visits the region in mid-May, officials said. Trump is scheduled to visit Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar next week, but there is currently no stop in Israel scheduled.
The cabinet also discussed allowing the resumption of aid distribution to Gaza under a new framework that was approved but has not yet been implemented, CNN points out. (A2 Televizion)
A2 CNN Livestream
MUND TE LEXONI GJITHASHTU
