Israel has reportedly approved a controversial plan for the full military occupation of Gaza and the forced relocation of Palestinian civilians to the southern part of the territory, according to multiple international media reports citing unnamed government officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet unanimously backed the strategy during a Monday meeting, framing it as necessary to achieve Israel’s war aims of defeating Hamas and securing the release of remaining hostages. An Israeli official quoted by Agence France-Presse stated the plan involves “the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories,” while claiming the population transfer southward would be for civilian protection. However, humanitarian organizations warn this could displace hundreds of thousands of Palestinians into already overcrowded areas with minimal infrastructure, exacerbating what the UN calls an “apocalyptic” crisis marked by severe shortages of food, clean water and medical supplies.

The decision comes alongside Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir’s mobilization of tens of thousands of additional reservists to intensify military operations. Since Hamas’ October 2023 attack killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in dozens taken hostage, Israel’s bombardment and ground offensive have reportedly left over 50,000 Palestinians dead according to Gaza health officials, with the majority being women and children. The proposed mass displacement plan echoes controversial February remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested the “voluntary” resettlement of Gazans to neighboring countries to allow the territory’s redevelopment – an idea Netanyahu praised at the time as “remarkable” despite widespread international condemnation.

Critics argue the occupation strategy would effectively formalize what many describe as Gaza’s transformation into an open-air prison, potentially cementing permanent Israeli control while eliminating prospects for Palestinian self-determination. The move risks further isolating Israel diplomatically as ceasefire negotiations remain stalled and the International Court of Justice examines allegations of genocide. With Hamas still holding an estimated 59 hostages – about 35 believed dead – and Gaza’s civilian population facing famine conditions, the plan signals Israel’s willingness to defy growing global pressure regarding its conduct in the nearly nine-month conflict. Humanitarian agencies warn forced population transfers could constitute war crimes under international law, setting the stage for renewed legal and political battles as the crisis enters what may become its most destructive phase yet.