DUBAI: Israel is expected to seek security cabinet approval on Thursday evening for a new phased military plan to seize full control of the Gaza Strip, potentially displacing up to a million Palestinians over the next five months, according to Israeli media reports.
The plan, backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, would begin with a military offensive on Gaza City and central refugee camps, pushing much of the population southward toward the designated humanitarian zone in Mawasi, according to a report by The Times of Israel.
The aim is to dismantle remaining Hamas strongholds and pressure the group to release the roughly 50 hostages still held in Gaza, of whom about 20 are believed to be alive.
The proposal comes amid reported internal friction at the highest levels of Israel’s leadership.
Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir issued a pointed statement ahead of the expected cabinet meeting, vowing to continue expressing the army’s position “without fear.” Israeli media has reported disagreements between Zamir and cabinet members over the plan’s feasibility and the risks it poses to the hostages.
