Israel's security cabinet has approved a new ground offensive aimed at taking complete control of Gaza City, a move that could displace up to 1 million Palestinians and has sparked international condemnation. The plan, proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has yet to be endorsed by the full cabinet, which is expected to convene in the coming days.
Germany, Israel's second-largest arms supplier, announced on Friday that it would halt deliveries of weaponry that could be used in Gaza. Foreign ministers from the UK, Germany, Italy, Australia and New Zealand issued a joint statement on Saturday warning that further large-scale military operations would aggravate the catastrophic humanitarian situation, endanger hostages, and risk mass displacement.
The United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting for Sunday at 10am EDT. The plan has reportedly caused a rift between Netanyahu and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) leadership, with IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Eyal Zamir warning Netanyahu that he was 'walking into a trap'. However, Zamir later vowed to carry out the government's orders.
Hamas accused Netanyahu of abandoning the remaining hostages, stating that the plan sacrifices them for his personal interests. The proposal includes five objectives: disarming Hamas, returning all hostages, demilitarising Gaza, taking security control, and establishing an alternative civil administration. Commercial satellite imagery shows a buildup of Israeli military vehicles near the Gaza border, suggesting a new offensive may be imminent.
