Asger Risom
Netanyahu’s cabinet moves forward with military intensification as pressure mounts over humanitarian aid
The Israeli security cabinet has approved a gradual expansion of the military offensive against Hamas in Gaza, according to Israeli public broadcaster Kan, citing sources familiar with the decision, as reported by HotNews.ro.
The move follows renewed military operations after a U.S.-backed ceasefire collapsed in March. Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, Israel’s military chief, confirmed Sunday that tens of thousands of new call-up orders are being issued to reservists as the army prepares to intensify its campaign.
Netanyahu discusses “next phase” after Houthi missile near airport
On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation via a video posted to X (formerly Twitter), hours after debris from a Houthi missile launched from Yemen landed near Ben Gurion International Airport. Netanyahu said his cabinet would meet to deliberate on “the next phase” of the Gaza war.
“We’re increasing the pressure in order to bring our people back and to defeat Hamas,” Zamir told troops, referring to the ongoing effort to rescue Israeli hostages.
Aid plan approved amid growing international criticism
In parallel with its military decisions, the security cabinet also approved a new plan for aid distribution in Gaza, according to the Israeli news outlet Ynet. However, it remains unclear when humanitarian shipments will be permitted into the territory.
Israel currently controls roughly one-third of the Gaza Strip and has faced escalating international criticism for enforcing a blockade since March. Israeli authorities argue that Hamas has seized aid shipments intended for civilians, a claim the militant group denies.
Israel launched its campaign in Gaza following Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, which left 1,200 people dead and resulted in 251 hostages taken, according to Israeli data. Since then, more than 52,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, and much of the enclave has been destroyed.