Israel Expands Military Operations Against Hamas in Gaza

In a decisive move, Israel has announced a significant escalation of its military operations in the Gaza Strip targeting the militant group Hamas. This decision was reached unanimously during a meeting of the Israeli Security Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as reported by various Israeli media outlets citing senior officials.

The primary objective of this intensified campaign is to increase pressure on Hamas to secure the release of additional hostages. It is anticipated that the implementation of this plan will occur after the upcoming visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to the region next week. Until then, efforts will be made to negotiate a ceasefire and a hostages agreement with Hamas.

Additionally, the Security Cabinet has approved a plan to resume humanitarian aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip, while also revising the mechanisms in place to minimize the diversion of goods by Hamas. Reports indicate that Netanyahu had previously given the go-ahead for preparations for this extensive military offensive. Israel's Chief of Staff, Ejal Zamir, confirmed the mobilization of reservists to support the expanded operations in the Gaza conflict, stating that tens of thousands of mobilization orders will be sent out this week.

Some of these reservists are expected to replace regular troops currently stationed at Israel's northern border and in the West Bank, with plans for these units to be redeployed to Gaza. For many of these reservists, this marks their seventh deployment since the onset of the conflict.

The recent escalation follows a nearly two-month ceasefire period, after which the Israeli military resumed its operations in Gaza on March 18. Humanitarian aid deliveries have been halted for approximately two months in the densely populated area, which is home to around two million residents.

Indirect negotiations for a renewed ceasefire, mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, have yet to yield any breakthroughs. The anticipated expansion of military operations is likely to further exacerbate the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, which aid organizations have described as catastrophic. The Israeli military accuses Hamas of profiting from the sale of humanitarian supplies to fund its combatants and armaments.

Current reports indicate that 24 hostages and the remains of 35 individuals are still in Hamas captivity. Former hostages have recounted inhumane conditions, and recent comments from President Trump suggest that the number of surviving hostages may be lower than previously believed. On Saturday evening, family members of the hostages held a demonstration in Tel Aviv, advocating for a ceasefire.

In related developments, Israel has signaled that it will respond not only to the recent attack by the Houthi militia on its international airport but also to the Iranian forces supporting them. Netanyahu stated that the attacks by the Houthis originate from Iran, and Israel will retaliate against the Houthi assault at a time and place of its choosing. This attack marked the first time the Houthi militia has targeted the vicinity of Israel's international airport near Tel Aviv, resulting in injuries to eight individuals. The Houthis have vowed to continue their assaults on Israeli airports.