Israel is preparing for a possible full-scale ground invasion of Gaza that could involve up to 50,000 troops and lead to a military occupation of parts of the territory, according to sources cited by CNN and the Washington Post.
According to the news outlets, the operation would involve Israeli forces clearing and occupying large parts of Gaza, setting up military rule, and controlling humanitarian aid. One version of the plan would force Gaza’s 2.2 million residents into a smaller “humanitarian zone,” with aid limited to the minimum needed to survive.
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FT Report: The IDF’s plan reportedly calls for deploying multiple combat divisions to re-enter Gaza, crush Hamxs, seize control of large areas of the Strip, and push the enclave’s 2.2 million residents into a narrow coastal corridor. Israeli forces would then remain… pic.twitter.com/lTmpG2BhWJ
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Officials said the plan is one of the several options being considered as Israel tries to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages without agreeing to a permanent ceasefire.
Israel’s military has not confirmed the details and said it operates based on decisions from the government but according to sources, the plan has already been presented to Israel’s Security Cabinet but no final decision has been made.
Supporters of the new plan said Hamas has re-emerged in areas previously cleared by the Israeli military. They argue that only a long-term presence can prevent this from happening again.
Critics however warn the plan could stretch Israel’s military and deepen the humanitarian crisis. Many Israelis still support a deal to free the remaining 59 hostages. A recent poll showed nearly 75% favor negotiations over a return to full war.
The proposal follows the collapse of a two-month ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Talks led by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. failed to produce a new agreement.
Last week, Israel resumed airstrikes in Gaza, targeting Hamas fighters and senior civilian officials. Its forces have also resumed ground offensive and regained control of the Netzarim corridor. In response, Hamas fired three rockets at Tel Aviv.
The Hamas-run health ministry reported on Monday that 730 people have been killed since the war in Gaza resumed, including at least 61 in the past 24 hours.
