Israeli officials authorise new plan to ‘conquer’ Gaza
Amidst ongoing strikes, the Israeli government is preparing to invade new parts of Gaza under a recently approved plan to expand its war, as reported by The New Arab plus agencies on May 4th.
An official has been quoted by Israeli media describing the plan to involve the “conquering of Gaza and holding the territories”.
Meanwhile Gaza continues to face heavy bombardment by Israel, with at least 20 Palestinians killed so far in attacks since dawn on Monday.
Ahead of its plans for further invasions, the military last week called up tens of thousands of army reservists. This comes as more than two-thirds of Gaza is already subject to displacement orders, or part of Israel’s declared ‘security zones’.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has declared the decision to pursue this “forceful operation” as a bid to free the remaining hostages and prevail over Hamas. He has also stated that Gaza’s population of 2.1 million will be moved “to protect it”, without specifying how much territory will be taken.
This announcement comes as Gaza continues to suffer under an Israeli mandated aid blockade which has now lasted over 50 days. Further government plans have also been approved allowing limited aid into Gaza only ‘if necessary’.
The plan is reportedly set to come into force next week and will involve the distribution of aid via private firms.
The UN and humanitarian agencies have widely condemned such proposals for allowing Israel to weaponise aid deliveries and further the displacement of civilians.
The UK has reiterated this message, stating that it “does not support an expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza.”
New Arab/agencies/Maghrebi
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