Israel's security Cabinet has unanimously approved a plan to widen the military offensive in Gaza. Dubbed "Gideon's Chariots," it includes the "conquest of Gaza" and occupying the territory, an Israeli official said on Monday, without specifying how long the occupation would last. The Cabinet also approved the drafting of tens of thousands of reservists to carry out the operation.

From what details have emerged so far, the plan involves the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) invading and seizing control of Gaza territory, forcibly displacing the civilian population to the south of Gaza, "dismantling" the militant group Hamas, releasing the remaining hostages held in Gaza, and establishing a new aid mechanism — but only after the operation has begun.

It is not expected to be fully implemented until after US President Donald Trump's visit to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia next week. Until then, an Israeli security official told reporters on Monday that efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal with Hamas would continue.

As of latest reports, 59 hostages are still being held in Gaza after the Hamas-led terror attack on October 7, 2023. Only 24 of them are believed to be alive. According to reports from the Gaza Health Ministry the massive military campaign Israel launched in Gaza in response has killed an estimated 52,000 Palestinians — most of them civilians. International agencies widely consider the Gaza Ministry's death count as reliable.

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Following the Cabinet's decision, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity, said in a video message posted on X........

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