Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene his security cabinet on Tuesday. In the meeting, Netanyahu plans to ask for their support in the “full conquest of the strip.”
Multiple outlets claim Netanyahu wants the Israeli military to expand its operations across the entire enclave. This includes areas where Hamas has held hostages. One Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post that Netanyahu is “considering all available options regarding the next steps.”
Ceasefire talks
The news comes after months of mediated ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas collapsed this week. U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who travelled to Israel this past weekend, also noted that he was working on a plan to end the war in Gaza.
Witkoff’s trip marked the first direct talks with Netanyahu since truce negotiations collapsed. Officials said Witkoff would brief Trump immediately after the visit.
Officials planned to announce an aid package shortly thereafter.
Response to ‘conquest’
The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the reported plans. It urged the international community to “intervene urgently to prevent their implementation, whether they are a form of pressure, trial balloons to gauge international reactions or genuinely serious.”
Hamas responded to the “conquest” plan, saying, “Israel’s threats are repetitive, worthless, and have no influence on our decisions.” Hamas also stated it will not return to talks until the humanitarian crisis is resolved.
