Israel
IDF chief warns Israel ‘could lose’ hostages as army approves expansion to Gaza operation
Plan to seize Gaza territory aims to pressure Hamas, but critics say it sacrifices hostages and risks deepening humanitarian crisis
May 5, 2025 09:10
Plan to seize Gaza territory aims to pressure Hamas, but critics say it sacrifices hostages and risks deepening humanitarian crisis
May 5, 2025 09:10Israel’s security cabinet has unanimously approved a plan to expand military operations in Gaza and establish “a new framework” for delivering aid, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The plan, described by Israeli media as a move to “conquer Gaza” and retain territory in the Strip, was approved late Sunday into Monday, just a day after the Israel Defence Force said it would call up tens of thousands of reservists.
It was presented by IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir and is expected to be implemented after US President Donald Trump visits the region next week.
Efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas will continue until then. US president Donald Trump is set to visit Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, but currently has no scheduled stop in Israel.
The expanded offensive is intended to pressure Hamas into releasing more hostages, with the IDF aiming to take control of territory, push civilians south, attack Hamas positions, and prevent the group from diverting humanitarian aid, according to The Times of Israel.
Despite unanimous cabinet approval, the plan has drawn criticism over its potential impact on the 59 hostages still held by Hamas, 24 of whom are believed to be alive. Zamir reportedly warned ministers that “we could lose” the hostages if the plan proceeds.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum condemned the plan, calling it the "Smotrich-Netanyahu plan" and accusing the government of prioritising territory over the lives of Israeli citizens.
Alongside the military strategy, the cabinet also approved the resumption of aid deliveries into Gaza, which have been blocked for over two months. The decision sparked a confrontation during the meeting, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir reportedly opposing the move. Zamir argued that Israel is obligated under international law to allow aid deliveries.
Aid agencies have accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war and have warned that the blockade could trigger famine and violate humanitarian law. Israel denies this allegation.
CNN reported that the US and Israel are discussing a plan to deliver aid through a private foundation that would bypass Hamas and prevent diversion. However, some aid organisations have rejected the proposed framework.
In a statement shared by the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, aid officials warned the plan would leave vulnerable populations without essential supplies. They said it appeared to violate humanitarian principles and was “designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic – as part of a military strategy.”
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, at least 52,535 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel, which saw more than 1,200 people murdered and 251 taken hostage.