Tel Aviv: Israel's Security Cabinet has unanimously approved a plan to expand its military operations in the Gaza Strip, with intentions to occupy territories within the enclave. The announcement, made early Monday, stated that the "operational plan" was submitted by army chief Eyal Zamir with the aim to "defeat Hamas" and secure the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza. The plan involves the army conquering Gaza and maintaining control over the territory. Additionally, Israeli Channel 12 indicated that the strategy includes the forcible relocation of Palestinians from northern Gaza to the southern regions.
According to Anadolu Agency, Israel launched airstrikes in Yemen following threats of retaliation by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after a Yemeni Houthi missile landed near Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport. Reports from Israel's Channel 12 noted that approximately 30 Israeli warplanes participated in the bombing of the western port city of Al Hudaydah, with 48 strikes executed on various targets. An Israeli official described one of these strikes as delivering a "massive blow" to the city's port.
In Germany, the conservative CDU/CSU alliance has solidified a coalition agreement with the Social Democrats (SPD) after extensive negotiations. This agreement sets the stage for a new government led by Chancellor-designate Friedrich Merz, who emphasized the coalition's commitment to addressing national security and economic challenges. Following the signing ceremony on Monday, the German parliament is set to elect Merz as the new chancellor, succeeding Olaf Scholz.
Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump engaged in discussions on regional and global issues during a phone call on Monday. The conversation, as reported by Turkey's Communications Directorate, included Erdogan's invitation for Trump to visit Trkiye and highlighted Ankara's willingness to collaborate with Washington, particularly in the defense sector. Erdogan also expressed deep concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, indicating Turkey's readiness to support aid efforts and contribute to establishing lasting peace.