Netanyahu Announces Expanded Gaza Offensive Amid International Alarm Over Civilian Impact

 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a major escalation in military operations in Gaza, outlining a new phase that will involve a sustained Israeli military presence in seized areas and the large-scale displacement of the civilian population.

In a video posted to social media platform X, Netanyahu stated that Israeli forces would not be engaging in temporary incursions into Gaza but would instead maintain territorial control as part of what he described as an “intensified” offensive. “The intention is the opposite of raid-and-retreat,” Netanyahu said. “Population will be moved, for its own protection.”

The announcement followed the Israeli security cabinet’s unanimous approval of a comprehensive plan for what was described as the “conquest” of Gaza, including the long-term presence of Israeli troops. The operation—officially titled Operation Gideon’s Chariots—will, according to military officials, encompass widescale aerial bombardments, infrastructure destruction, and mass displacement aimed at creating zones “sterile of Hamas.”

Brigadier General Efi Dufferin, chief military spokesperson, said the campaign would include “the movement of the majority of the strip’s population … continued airstrikes, elimination of terrorists, and dismantling of infrastructure.”

The plan has already drawn sharp condemnation from the international community. A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned the strategy could result in catastrophic consequences: “This will inevitably lead to countless more civilians killed and the further destruction of Gaza. Gaza is, and must remain, an integral part of a future Palestinian state.”

The UK Foreign Office echoed those concerns, stating, “The UK does not support an expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Continued fighting is in nobody’s interests.”

Since the collapse of a fragile ceasefire in March, Israeli forces have intensified bombardments and expanded buffer zones deep into Gaza, placing over 70% of the territory under direct Israeli control or within evacuation zones. On Sunday, Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced the mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists to support a new wave of operations involving conscripted soldiers.

Despite the deteriorating humanitarian situation, Zamir has resisted political pressure to assign the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) responsibility for aid distribution, citing security risks. Much of Gaza’s 2.3 million population faces severe food shortages, with aid agencies warning of near-total system collapse. Israeli officials maintain there is currently “enough food” but have authorized a possible aid framework using private contractors under IDF supervision—an initiative sharply criticized by humanitarian organizations.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) denounced the plan, saying it violates basic humanitarian principles. “It is dangerous, driving civilians into militarised zones to collect rations, threatening lives … while further entrenching forced displacement,” OCHA said.

On Monday, Hamas described the new Israeli aid framework as “political blackmail,” holding Israel responsible for what it called a deepening “humanitarian catastrophe.”

Netanyahu’s administration also continues to promote a controversial resettlement proposal originally advanced by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The plan envisions relocating millions of Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries such as Egypt or Jordan. A senior Israeli official confirmed that “a voluntary transfer program for Gaza residents will be part of the operation’s goals.”

Meanwhile, the IDF launched fresh airstrikes in Yemen’s Red Sea port city of Hodeida on Monday, targeting Houthi positions a day after a missile launched by the Iran-backed group struck Israel’s main airport. At least six strikes reportedly hit key infrastructure, including Hodeida port and a cement plant in Bajil, with dozens of Israeli warplanes involved.

The unfolding crisis comes as Trump prepares for a high-profile diplomatic tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE later this month. Regional analysts suggest that Gulf leaders may urge Trump to pressure Netanyahu toward a new ceasefire agreement and facilitate humanitarian access into Gaza. Trump, who recently remarked that Netanyahu should be “good to Gaza,” is expected to face demands for de-escalation.

Back in Israel, the latest developments have stirred internal tensions. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Jerusalem on Monday, while a coalition representing families of the 58 remaining hostages in Gaza—roughly half of whom are believed dead—condemned the new offensive, warning it places both hostages and Israeli troops at heightened risk.

Despite mounting global criticism and rising domestic unease, Netanyahu’s political survival remains closely tied to hardline right-wing factions within his ruling coalition—many of whom have long advocated for the reoccupation and resettlement of Gaza, which Israel unilaterally withdrew from in 2005. The Knesset resumed session on Monday as the military campaign advanced.

Israeli strikes across Gaza continued overnight and into Monday, with at least 32 fatalities reported, including women and children, according to hospital staff. Targeted areas included Gaza City, Beit Hanoun, and Beit Lahiya. Medical personnel at al-Shifa hospital confirmed receiving the bodies of eight women and children among the dead.