Israel’s security cabinet has approved an expanded new military offensive in Gaza that will lead to the full reoccupation of the enclave, despite the military’s warning that renewed fighting could endanger the lives of hostages and international outcry over the toll on Palestinian civilians.
The operation will begin with Israeli forces taking over the ruins of Gaza City over the course of months before creating “a civil administration for the entire enclave”, setting in motion a new occupation of Gaza.
In a marathon overnight negotiating session Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right cabinet overruled alternative options presented by the Israeli military, after weeks of bitter public debate.