Tel aviv: Israel's Security Cabinet is reportedly moving towards a decision to occupy the Gaza Strip, as ministers cite Hamas' 'inflexible stance,' according to local media reports. The daily Israel Hayom highlighted that some cabinet members perceive an increased likelihood of a full-scale occupation, attributing this to Hamas' position, which they claim is pushing Israel towards an 'all-out war plan.' There has been no official confirmation from Israeli authorities regarding these claims.
According to Anadolu Agency, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich held a closed-door meeting with his far-right Religious Zionism Party to discuss recent developments concerning humanitarian aid for Gaza. On Sunday, the Israeli army announced limited airdrops of aid into Gaza and a 'tactical pause' in certain areas to facilitate aid deliveries. However, international organizations criticized the move as a 'smokescreen,' alleging that Israel continues to weaponize hunger by keeping Gaza's crossings closed since March.
Despite previous threats to resign over aid deliveries, Smotrich confirmed to Yedioth Ahronoth that he would continue to be part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Meanwhile, senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya stated that the group had demonstrated 'the utmost flexibility' during 22 months of conflict, accusing Israel of undermining the latest Doha negotiations under US influence to 'waste time and drain Gaza.' Al-Hayya also claimed that Israel is determined to seize a significant part of Rafah in southern Gaza to establish a displacement zone, thus facilitating the forced transfer of Palestinians.
The Gaza Health Ministry reported that as of Monday, 1,175 people have been killed and 7,758 injured while awaiting aid since May 27. The ministry also stated that 14 more Palestinians, including two children, had died in the past 24 hours from hunger and malnutrition, raising the total death toll to 147 since October 7, including 88 children. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned that one in three Palestinians in Gaza had not eaten for days, urging for the immediate and unimpeded delivery of aid.
Despite international calls for a ceasefire, the Israeli army has continued its offensive on Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in nearly 60,000 Palestinian deaths, the majority being women and children. The ongoing bombardment has devastated the enclave and led to severe food shortages. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. In addition, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.