The decision followed an announcement by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that it would mobilize tens of thousands of reservists to bolster its campaign in Gaza.
Under the new strategy, Israeli forces would seize and hold territory in northern Gaza, displace civilians toward the south and carry out “powerful strikes” against Hamas positions, one official said.
Since mid-March, when Israel resumed intense air and artillery bombardments, more than 2,400 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The overall death toll in Gaza since the war began in October now exceeds 52,000.
Officials said the operation would be rolled out gradually to allow for the possibility of a renewed ceasefire and hostage-release agreement ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned mid-May visit to the region. Trump is due in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar but has no scheduled stop in Israel.
The cabinet also approved a new mechanism to resume aid deliveries into Gaza, which has been under a near-total humanitarian blockade for nine weeks. Details of the scheme have yet to be finalized or implemented.
Israeli public broadcaster Kan 11 reported a heated debate during the meeting, with far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Orit Strook opposing any renewed aid, while IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir argued Israel was legally obliged to facilitate humanitarian assistance.
Israel says the blockade is intended to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages. International organizations, however, have condemned the move as a violation of international law that risks causing a man-made famine, and accuse Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war.
U.S. and Israeli officials are reportedly negotiating a mechanism to bypass Hamas in aid delivery, with an announcement expected “in the coming days,” a U.S. State Department spokesperson told CNN.
Under the proposal, an unnamed private foundation would manage the distribution of relief supplies, with U.N. bodies and aid agencies ensuring they reach civilians rather than militants.
Aid groups in Gaza rejected the plan on Sunday, saying it would reinforce control over life-sustaining items and fail to deliver assistance to the neediest.
“We will not participate in any scheme that does not adhere to the global humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence and neutrality,” they said in a joint statement.
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Source: CNN, Euronews, France24