Jerusalem — Israel’s war cabinet has approved military plans that may mark an unprecedented escalation in their ongoing conflict with Hamas and other Palestinian factions, according to multiple media outlets citing unnamed sources from within government.
Israel recently made the announcement during a high-level security cabinet meeting and it signals an aggressive and expansive military posture as fighting in Gaza continues with no end in sight.
Reports indicate that the approved plan calls for expansion of ground operations into remaining Hamas-controlled areas in southern Gaza, such as Rafah City where over one million Palestinian refugees have sought shelter. This has alarmed international observers, who warn of catastrophic civilian casualties resulting from such an expansive military conquest of civilian areas.
One senior Israeli official quoted anonymously in Maariv newspaper has indicated that Israel plans to seize total operational control of Gaza in stages, ultimately dismantling all Hamas infrastructure and eliminating its leadership.
“This will not be a symbolic campaign,” an official asserted. “It will be an effort to limit Hamas’ ability to govern, fight or rebuild itself.”
Israeli forces have already deployed extensive bombing campaigns and ground incursions since the war began, in particular in northern and central Gaza. Yet large portions of southern Gaza, particularly Rafah, remain densely populated without full-scale incursions by their military.
Rafah’s imminent ground assault has raised serious humanitarian concerns. Both the UN and various aid organizations have strongly advised Israel not to expand operations there, where civilians have limited access to food, clean water, and healthcare services.
Responding to media reports, a UN spokesperson reiterated the international community’s opposition to any military escalation that puts civilian lives at further risk. We have consistently called for restraint, respect for international humanitarian law and protection of civilians,” stated the spokesperson.
Palestinian officials in Gaza strongly objected to the cabinet’s reported decision, calling it an act of total war that will only deepen humanitarian disaster and further fuel resistance movements.
“This decision exposes the true intent of occupation: not security but domination,” declared a Hamas spokesperson in a brief statement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not officially confirmed this plan, but in recent statements has insisted that war will continue until Hamas is completely destroyed. At a recent press appearance, Netanyahu promised: “We will achieve complete victory.
As no ceasefire agreement appears to be in sight and further escalation seems likely, regional and global players are bracing themselves for what could become the most intense phase of Gaza war yet.