Israel Approves Gaza Occupation Plan Amid Outcry

The Israeli Security Cabinet has unanimously approved Operation Gideon's Chariots, a plan to expand its military offensive in Gaza with the explicit goal of full conquest and indefinite occupation of the territory. Israeli officials stated the operation will include forcibly relocating Gazans to the southern part of the Strip to defeat Hamas, and the launch is set for after former U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to the region later this month. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared Israel intends to 'occupy Gaza to stay,' ending cycles of temporary incursions. The European Union and United Nations have condemned the plan, warning that further escalation will worsen casualties and humanitarian suffering. The UN also stated the operation and ongoing blockade violate international law and humanitarian principles, and vowed not to cooperate with any aid delivery that bypasses established protocols. International calls continue for Israel to lift the blockade, restore critical services, and end violence against Palestinians as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens.