Israeli Defense Forces commander endorses fresh strategy for Gaza military action, confirms spokesperson
In the Gaza Strip, ongoing intense conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to a significant military escalation, with Israel resuming full-scale operations against Hamas following a ceasefire breach in March 2025. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and his security cabinet have approved plans for the IDF to seize and occupy Gaza City, a stronghold of Hamas.
The situation has resulted in severe humanitarian consequences, with Gaza City being classified at the highest acute food insecurity level, raising concerns about famine. The death toll this year due to famine has risen to 235 in Gaza, including 106 children. Gaza's Government Media Office is the source for these figures.
The conflict has also resulted in numerous casualties. Among the dead were 21 people killed while trying to collect humanitarian aid. Another 185 people were injured. Hamas is also holding the bodies of 30 killed hostages.
Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir has approved an operational plan for the Gaza Strip, which includes presentations of IDF operations, such as an attack in the Zeitoun area. The operation would force the IDF to operate in areas where Israel believes Hamas is holding living hostages.
Netanyahu has set out five principles for the end of the war, including the disarmament of Hamas, the freeing of all hostages, the demilitarization of Gaza, Israel having overriding security control, and a civilian administration that doesn't support terrorism. However, this plan faces significant opposition within Israel and criticism over the potential for entrenching Israeli control and undermining Palestinian self-determination.
Despite Israel's claim of having weakened Hamas substantially over nearly two years of conflict, Hamas reportedly still maintains significant fighting capability, raising concerns about the durability of Israeli military gains and the continuation of hostilities. The conflict remains highly dynamic, with no clear resolution imminent and diplomatic solutions facing substantial challenges.
In a bid to halt the conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin of severe consequences if he does not agree to stop the war. However, the central concept of the plan for the next stages in the Gaza Strip has been presented and approved, indicating a continued military focus.
This report was contributed to by Morgan Winsor and Diaa Ostaz. The expanded military operation aims to demilitarize the Gaza Strip and remove Hamas from power. However, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, with hospitals across the region recording 123 deaths and 437 injuries over the previous 24 hours.
References:
- The Guardian
- Reuters
- Al Jazeera
- BBC News
- New York Times
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