Israel has approved a plan for a major military operation dubbed Operation War Chariot Gideon, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to “capture” Gaza and maintain permanent control even if it means sacrificing hostage negotiations.
The announcement comes just days before US President Donald Trump is due to visit the Middle East.
The Israeli army has begun calling up tens of thousands of reservists, and plans to drive the entire population of Gaza south, while maintaining a permanent buffer zone under Israeli control.
Israel’s top military spokesman said the “ultimate” goal of the operation was to return Israeli hostages from Hamas, but right-wing ministers have denied that the main priority is to eliminate Hamas.
The contradictory statements raise questions about Israel’s true intentions, as the operation purportedly aimed at freeing hostages now appears to be aimed more at civilian targets than Hamas, with no guarantee that the hostages will actually be returned.
Tensions have escalated after an Israeli attack on a school housing refugees killed at least 20 people, sparking global condemnation.
In addition, Israel’s aid blockade is now in its ninth week, with critics accusing Tel Aviv of using starvation as a weapon of war.
Trump’s visit next week is seen as a last chance to reach a deal on the hostages.
If it fails, Netanyahu has warned that a “final step” will begin and Israel will not back down.
All eyes are now on President Trump’s decision, hoping that the steps taken are fair and do not further claim more lives on both sides.
