Israeli cabinet approves plan of ‘conquering Gaza, holding the territories,’

Israel approved a plan to significantly broaden the military offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, The Times of Israel reported citing an official.

The security cabinet unanimously approved the plan to expand the Gaza operation, the official said. It is expected to only be implemented after US President Donald Trump’s visit to the region next week, and until then, efforts will continue to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal.

The plan, which the official speaking Monday said had been presented by IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, provides for the “conquering of Gaza and holding the territories.”

Meanwhile, Axios reported citing sources that the U.S., Israel and representatives of a new international foundation are close to an agreement on how to resume the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza without it being controlled by Hamas.

After the Gaza ceasefire deal collapsed two months ago, Israel halted all humanitarian aid delivery of food, water and medicine into the enclave, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.