Israel moves to fully capture Gaza; war set to intensify.

Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to capture and occupy the entire Gaza Strip, aiming to crush Hamas and pressure the group into releasing hostages and agreeing to a ceasefire on Israeli terms, according to Associated Press. The move, backed by Israeli ministers in an early Monday vote, comes as tens of thousands of reserve soldiers are being called up.

If implemented, the plan would expand Israeli military operations, displace more Palestinians to southern Gaza, and worsen the already severe humanitarian crisis, with aid supplies cut off for months. Israel now controls about half of Gaza following intense strikes after the collapse of a US-brokered truce in March.

The plan also reportedly seeks to block Hamas from distributing aid and involves gradual, heavy strikes on the group. Meanwhile, Israel’s discussions with other nations on relocating Gaza’s population have drawn international criticism. Despite the pressure, ceasefire talks remain deadlocked, with Hamas refusing to shift its stance and Israel vowing to continue the war until Hamas is defeated