Israel reportedly preparing to expand Gaza occupation

The Tel Aviv administration is preparing to expand its military operations in Gaza under the pretext of stalled negotiations with Hamas, according to Israeli media.

Israeli military plans to expand ground offensive in Gaza

Israel’s state broadcaster KAN reported that the Israeli army is readying to call up reserve soldiers and expand its ground operations in Gaza, citing a deadlock in negotiations with Hamas.

The report also noted that Israel is establishing a new “humanitarian zone” between the Morag Corridor and Rafah, where humanitarian aid would be distributed to Palestinians under Israeli army supervision and facilitated by American civilian companies.

KAN stated that Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir formally approved plans last Friday to expand military activities against Palestinians in Gaza.

Criticism was also directed at the government’s strategy, with the report questioning, “Why do we expect different results by doing the same things? Why are we sinking deeper into the Gaza quagmire?”

Israeli media warns of strain on military and hostages

Channel 12, another Israeli broadcaster, assessed that an expanded operation would increase the burden on already exhausted reserve soldiers and further worsen the situation and prospects of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Israel continues its actions in Gaza, where, according to Gaza health authorities, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of 52,314 Palestinians, most of them being civilians and injuries to 117,792 people since Oct. 7, 2023.

Israeli minister says Gaza operations could continue for 12 more months

Meanwhile, the Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer stated that attacks on Gaza could continue for another 12 months.

Speaking at a conference in Jerusalem, Dermer emphasized the need to “achieve victory” but did not specify what constitutes such a victory.

“One year from now, the October 7 war will be over. More countries will want peace with Israel, but the key is victory,” Dermer said, according to KAN.

Addressing the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, Dermer expressed confidence that U.S. President Donald Trump would not sign any deal that would be “bad” for Israel.

Protests over hostage crisis outside conference venue

Relatives of Israeli hostages protested outside the hotel hosting the conference, demanding an end to the attacks and the release of Israeli captives from Gaza.

Yehuda Cohen, father of captive Nimrod Cohen, questioned, “Minister of Strategy, what is your strategy to free my son?”

Separately, Israeli media reported that a delegation led by Dermer is expected to meet the head of Egyptian intelligence in Cairo tonight to discuss the renewal of a cease-fire and prisoner exchange agreement.

Netanyahu reportedly planning to end Gaza operations by October

According to Israel Hayom, citing an unnamed Israeli security official, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is planning to end the Gaza war by October.

The official indicated that this timeline is a maximum goal and that operations could conclude earlier if conditions permit and objectives are achieved.

The Israeli government has not made an official comment regarding these reports.

Since the resumption of hostilities on March 18, following the end of a 42-day cease-fire phase, an additional 2,222 Palestinians, mostly elderly, women, and children, have been killed, and 5,751 have been injured, according to Gaza authorities.