JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday (May 5) that Israel would launch an intensified military campaign against Hamas, following security cabinet approval of a plan that could involve taking full control of the Gaza Strip and overseeing humanitarian aid. However, the operation is not expected to begin until after U.S. President Donald Trump concludes his upcoming visit to the region. This development comes after repeated failures to reach a ceasefire with Hamas and signals that the war — already drawing global criticism and facing declining domestic support — may continue indefinitely. According to Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, the new plan will unfold gradually over several months, starting with operations in a specific part of Gaza.

In a video message, Netanyahu emphasized that the offensive would be intensive and would involve relocating more civilians in Gaza “for their own safety.” Unlike earlier strategies of brief raids, this plan would involve holding seized areas long-term. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Israel, as a sovereign nation, is making its own decisions, while expressing hope for a potential ceasefire and hostage deal during Trump’s visit. Currently, Israeli forces control about a third of Gaza, where they’ve built security infrastructure, and the new strategy aims to extend control across the entire territory.

One Israeli official said the expanded operation would relocate Gaza’s population southward and prevent aid from reaching Hamas. Aid, previously managed by the UN and NGOs, would be distributed by private companies in Rafah after the operation starts. The military did not comment on these statements. Israel resumed its military campaign in March after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire collapsed. Since then, it has imposed an aid blockade, with the UN warning of a looming famine among Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. Israeli officials insist that retaining control of buffer zones around Gaza is vital for national security, though there remains a small chance for a ceasefire and hostage deal during Trump’s visit.

If no deal is made, Operation Gideon Chariots will begin forcefully and continue until all objectives are met, an Israeli defense official said. Hamas rejected what it called coercion, insisting on a comprehensive agreement that includes a full ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, Gaza reconstruction, and a mutual prisoner release. Israel still lacks a clear post-war strategy for Gaza, and ministers argue that international aid organizations can’t be trusted to prevent Hamas from diverting supplies. They propose that aid be managed by private firms operating through Israeli-controlled distribution hubs.

Jan Egeland of the Norwegian Refugee Council said Israel is pressuring the UN and NGOs to halt their aid operations in Gaza. The expansion plan was welcomed by hardline Israeli ministers who have long supported total control of Gaza and permanent population displacement. “We are finally going to conquer Gaza,” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared. “We are no longer afraid of the word ‘occupation’.” Yet public sentiment in Israel is shifting, with growing support for a hostage deal. Protests erupted outside parliament, demanding action, especially from families of those still held in Gaza.

Compounding the challenges, Israel also faces threats from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis, instability in Syria, and unrest in the West Bank. Military capacity is stretched, with Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir confirming a major reservist call-up, though the government claims these troops are intended to expand operations, not occupy Gaza. Zamir reportedly opposes completely cutting off aid, arguing it must resume soon. The war began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages. Since then, Israel’s air and ground offensives have killed over 52,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and devastated Gaza’s infrastructure.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.