Israel Approves Expansion of Gaza Offensive Amid Rising Tensions and Humanitarian Concerns

Last Updated May - 05 - 2025, 03:35 PM | Source : Fela News

Israel’s security cabinet has authorized a gradual escalation in the Gaza campaign against Hamas, while a new plan for aid distribution is being considered amid

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet has approved a gradual escalation of the military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, according to Israeli public broadcaster Kan. The Israeli military has started issuing tens of thousands of call-up orders for reserve forces to support the expansion of the offensive. Army Chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir confirmed the move, emphasizing that the objective is to increase pressure on Hamas, secure the release of Israeli hostages, and ultimately defeat the militant group.

The ground operations in Gaza resumed in March after a US-backed ceasefire collapsed, ending two months of halted fighting. In addition to military actions, the security cabinet has approved a new plan for aid distribution in Gaza, though it remains unclear when supplies will be allowed into the area. Israel controls about a third of Gaza's territory and faces mounting international pressure to lift the aid blockade it imposed in March, which it claims was necessary to prevent Hamas from diverting aid intended for civilians.

The conflict, ignited by a deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the deaths of over 52,000 Palestinians and devastated the Gaza Strip.