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IDF chief of staff Eyal Zamir and Defense Minister Israel Katz
(Photo: Ariel Hermoni, Defense Ministry)
The southern command has been refining the invasion strategy, which would begin with regular army brigades encircling Gaza City after urging civilians to evacuate southward. Officials hope most of the roughly 1 million Palestinians still in the city will move, though past operations have shown that hundreds of thousands may remain.
Security sources stressed Israel is still “far from” imposing military rule in Gaza, noting that Hamas continues to control much of the enclave’s civilian life.
The Israeli cabinet also approved 1.6 billion shekels ($430 million) in funding for humanitarian aid to Gaza, with officials warning the assistance could increase if the fighting drags on for months.
“The policy of Israel is consistent and has not changed,” a senior Israeli official said. “We will not leave any hostages behind.”
In Washington, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the U.S. is still studying Hamas’ response, noting, “We do not think it is a coincidence that Hamas agreed after President Trump’s strong message on Gaza.”
