TEL AVIV, May 5, 2025 (WAFA) – The Israeli cabinet has approved a military plan to seize full control of the Gaza Strip—already under longstanding occupation and blockade—alongside measures that will prolong the deprivation of essential resources for its population.
According to Israeli media reports on Monday morning, the unanimously approved plan was presented last night by Eyal Zamir, Chief of the General Staff of Israel. The plan calls for full military occupation of Gaza, establishing sustained control over the territory, and forcibly displacing Palestinian residents toward the southern regions of the Strip.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that this plan represents a departure from previous military tactics, moving from temporary incursions to permanent occupation and settlement.
Netanyahu also reaffirmed Israel's commitment to implementing the so-called Trump Plan, which, according to him, aims to facilitate the voluntary departure of Palestinians from Gaza.
Israeli sources indicated that the military campaign may extend over several months and will unfold in phases, beginning with expanded ground invasions in targeted areas, followed by a broader sweep across the enclave.
The sources added that the plan’s execution will commence following the conclusion of U.S. President Donald Trump’s upcoming visit to the Middle East. In the interim, Israel intends to mobilize and train reserve forces in preparation for an escalated military offensive.
Smotrich calls for full displacement of Gaza’s population
This military plan aligns with the calls made by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a member of the far-right extremist government, who has demanded a complete occupation of the Gaza Strip and the establishment of new Israeli settlements there.
Smotrich stated that Israel will occupy Gaza with the intention of remaining there permanently, declaring that there will no longer be any movement in or out of the territory. He described the operation as a war aimed at victory and asserted that it is time to stop fearing the term occupation.
Smotrich further declared that the entire population of Gaza would be displaced south of the so-called “Morag Corridor”—a corridor established by Israel last month to isolate Rafah from the rest of the Gaza Strip. According to him, humanitarian aid will be restricted to this designated area.
The Israeli occupation continues to escalate its crimes across all areas of the Gaza Strip, carrying out mass killings and targeting shelters. Since October 7, 2023, the death toll has risen to 52,567, mostly women and children. Around 118,610 others have also been injured.
These figures remain incomplete, as many victims remain trapped under rubble or scattered on the streets, unreachable by rescue and medical teams.
T.R.
