Israel Expands Gaza Trade, Mulls New War Strategy

Israel has announced a new mechanism to partially reopen private sector trade with Gaza, allowing vetted local merchants to import essential goods such as food, baby formula, fruits, vegetables, and hygiene products under strict security and financial oversight. This initiative, coordinated by COGAT, is intended to increase humanitarian aid flow and reduce reliance on the UN and international organizations, while preventing Hamas involvement. Goods and merchants will be subject to rigorous security checks and monitored bank transfers. In a related development, Israel intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, resulting in nationwide air-raid warnings. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also pledged to update Israel's Gaza war strategy, reportedly considering the re-occupation of the entire Gaza Strip. These plans have provoked condemnation from the Palestinian Authority and calls for international intervention.