An Israeli official confirmed on Monday that the country’s Security Cabinet approved a comprehensive military plan overnight aimed at reoccupying the Gaza Strip and expanding operations within the besieged Palestinian territory — a move seen as further escalating the conflict and reinforcing concerns over forced displacement of civilians.

According to AFP, the source stated:
“The plan will include… occupying the Gaza Strip, taking control of the territory, and relocating Gaza’s population to the south.”

This development comes amid Israel’s ongoing war on Gaza, which began in October 2023, and has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and injuries, alongside a worsening humanitarian crisis, according to UN agencies.

The approval of this plan has raised alarm internationally, particularly as global calls intensify for a ceasefire and the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip.