Israel's security cabinet unanimously approved overnight a plan to expand the military offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, even though the army chief reportedly warned ministers that doing so could endanger hostages held there.
Israeli media reports that this plan was expected to be implemented only after US President Donald Trump's visit to the region next week, and until then, efforts will continue to reach a ceasefire and a hostage agreement with Hamas.
The plan is gradual and focuses initially on a specific, unspecified area within the Strip before expanding to other locations, public broadcaster Kan reported on Sunday, adding that intense fighting was expected to continue for months.
In addition, the security cabinet approved a plan to renew aid distribution to Gaza, while reviewing the mechanism in order to minimize the diversion of goods by Hamas to the benefit of its operatives. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir was the only one to vote against the plan, which would be implemented when the situation in Gaza requires it.
The plan, first reported by The Times of Israel on Friday, would require the IDF to forgo bulk distribution and storage of aid and instead ask international organizations and private security contractors to distribute food boxes to individual families in Gaza. (A2 Televizion)
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