Israeli government authorizes operation to gain Gaza and move civilians

Members of the cabinet said there is “enough food in Gaza.” The country may again distribute humanitarian aid in the “if necessary” Gaza Strip.

Authorities reported that the plan is gradual and will take months. This schedule could leave the door open to a ceasefire and hostage liberation negotiations before US President Donald Trump’s visit to the region next week, according to Security Office Minister Zeev Elkin.

Israel will start operation if there is no hostage agreement during Trump visit. “If there is no agreement with hostages, the ‘Gideon Chariots’ operation will begin with great intensity and will not stop until all its goals are achieved,” an Israeli senior defense authority told Reuters.

Proposal includes “conquest of the Gaza Strip and the maintenance of territories”according to a source heard by AFP. She also stated that the plan expects to unravel “powerful blows to Hamas” without specifying its nature.

Israeli government spokesman said reserve soldiers were being summoned to expand operations in Gaza, not to take it. Some of them were heard by the RFI and said they were ready for the battle, such as young Amira Souliem. “We have to defend ourselves. Our neighbors are not peaceful people,” he said.

Plan also provides for displacement of the civilian population from Gaza to the south. During a security office meeting, Netanyahu said he “will continue to promote Trump’s plan to allow voluntary departure from the inhabitants of Gaza.” In February, the US President suggested taking over the territory and turning the Gaza Strip into the “Middle East Riviera”.