Israeli cabinet greenlights expansion of 'military operations' in Gaza
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"Israel" escalates its offensive against Gaza as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorizes broader military action, mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists.
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Destroyed buildings by Israeli bombardments inside the northern Gaza Strip can be seen as Israeli soldiers work on their tank in southern occupied Palestine, Tuesday, Feb.11, 2025 (AP)
"Israel's" security cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has approved a gradual expansion of the ongoing war on Gaza, according to Israeli public broadcaster Kan, citing informed sources.
Israeli military mobilizes tens of thousands of reservists
Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the Israeli military chief, confirmed that the military has begun issuing tens of thousands of call-up orders for reserve forces.
In a video statement posted on X, Netanyahu said he was convening the security cabinet to discuss “the next stage” of the war on Gaza. His comments came just hours after a missile, launched from the Yemeni Armed Forces, landed near "Israel's" main Ben Gurion Airport.
“We are increasing the pressure with the goal of returning our people [captives] and defeating Hamas,” said Zamir, addressing troops in a statement issued by the military.
"Israel" resumed its ground operations in Gaza in March, after reneging on a US-backed ceasefire that had temporarily paused the war for two months. Since then, the occupation entity has taken control of approximately one-third of Gaza’s territory.
This comes as the Palestinian Resistance continues to confront the ongoing Israeli war on the Gaza Strip and has affirmed its readiness to respond to any further escalation by the occupation.
Humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens under Israeli blockade
The war on Gaza has intensified amid growing international calls for "Israel" to lift its aid blockade, imposed in March. Humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip continue to deteriorate rapidly, with more than 2.3 million Palestinians now relying on very limited aid supplies.
"Israel" launched its war on Gaza following the October 7, 2023, attack by the Palestinian Resistance. Since then, over 52,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities.
The Gaza Strip remains devastated, and the humanitarian toll continues to climb as the Israeli blockade limits critical supplies.
'Israel' rejects temporary truce, plans to escalate action in Gaza
On Friday, the Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom reported that "Israel insists on expanding its military operations" in the Palestinian enclave.
The newspaper added that "Israel" "informed mediators of its rejection of the proposed ceasefire in Gaza and its withdrawal from the conditions that had been agreed upon in recent days."
According to Israel Hayom, "Israel expressed its desire to maintain its military presence inside the Strip until the end of the year and to expand the scope of its military operation."
Israeli media also reported that "Israel" is moving toward more aggressive action in Gaza in the near future and a gradual expansion of the fighting.
Gaza ceasefire negotiation reach an impasse
In late April, Egypt's intelligence chief, Hassan Rashad, met with Israeli negotiators in Cairo for talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, according to Egyptian state-affiliated media.
The meeting with the Israeli delegation, led by Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, follows a visit to Cairo by a Hamas delegation a few days earlier, Al-Qahera News reported.
Egypt, alongside Qatar and the United States, has been at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to end the devastating war on the Gaza Strip, now entering its 18th month.
A Hamas official, speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity, said the group was open to a "one-time prisoner exchange and a five-year truce."
The renewed round of talks comes after Hamas rejected an Israeli proposal earlier this month, describing it as "partial".
Hamas continues to insist that any agreement must include a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire, conditions "Israel" has thus far refused to accept.
"Israel" is demanding the release of all captives in Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas, conditions the Palestinian group considers a "red line".
Read more: Dozens martyred in Israeli airstrikes amid near-total blackout in Gaza
