Israel confirms plans to seize all of Gaza and stay indefinitely, officials say

ITV News

05-05-2025

Israel has approved plans to seize the entire Gaza Strip and stay in the territory for an unspecified amount of time, Israeli officials have said.
Israeli Cabinet ministers approved the plan in an early Monday vote, hours after the military chief announced the mobilisation of tens of thousands of reserve soldiers.
Officials said the plan involves the 'capturing of the strip and the holding of territories," as well as preventing Hamas from distributing humanitarian aid, which Israel claims strengthens the militant group's control.
Israel also accuses Hamas of hoarding aid to bolster its capabilities.
The plan, which would be implemented gradually, includes targeted strikes against Hamas, according to Israeli officials.
Additionally, Israel is in discussions with several countries regarding US President Donald Trump's plan to take over Gaza and relocate its population, a proposal Israel refers to as 'voluntary emigration,' though it has faced condemnation from European and Arab allies.
If carried out, the move would significantly widen Israel's operations in Gaza and likely provoke strong international opposition.
For weeks, Israel has been increasing pressure on Hamas to push for more flexibility in ceasefire talks.
However, international mediators trying to broker a new deal have faced difficulties, as Israel's actions do not appear to have shifted Hamas' stance on negotiations.
Since the Israel-Hamas ceasefire collapsed in mid-March, the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has carried out intense airstrikes that have killed hundreds.
It has captured large portions of Gaza, now controlling around 50% of the territory.
Following the collapse of the ceasefire, Israel halted all humanitarian aid into Gaza, including food, fuel, and water, triggering what is considered the worst humanitarian crisis in nearly 19 months of war.
As Israel's blockade on supplies into Gaza enters it's third month, desperate scenes of hunger and need can be seen across the territory as ITV News' Ian Woods reported on Sunday
The UN warned that Israel's plan could leave large parts of the population, especially the most vulnerable, without essential supplies, describing it as a "pressure tactic" to "reinforce control over life-sustaining resources" as part of a military strategy.
The US government has expressed clear support for Israel's plan, but it remains uncertain who would fund the private military companies or provide the aid.
Oxfam and UNICEF have both reported widespread disease and malnutrition in Gaza, with families rummaging through "piles of rubbish" to feed their children.
Since the beginning of the year, over 9,000 children have been treated for acute malnutrition, according to the UN.
The ban on aid has caused widespread hunger and led to looting due to severe shortages.