Israel has approved a plan that includes the “full conquest” of Gaza. The plan reportedly includes the forced relocation of Palestinians and the occupation of the territory.

Zamir announced the mobilization on Sunday, emphasizing that more troops were necessary to “increase pressure” on Hamas. The elimination of the militant group is the declared aim of the Israeli offensive, in retaliation for a Hamas-led incursion into Israel in October 2023.

Israel Doubles Down On Its Goal To Eliminate Hamas

According to officials quoted by the Associated Press and reported by RT, the new plan is meant to help Israel achieve its war aims of defeating Hamas and freeing the hostages held in Gaza. Israel says the militant group is holding 59 captives, although about 35 are believed to be dead. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet voted unanimously in favor of the strategy during a meeting on Monday morning, two sources told the media. Chief of the General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Eyal Zamir has also announced the mobilization of tens of thousands of additional reservists.

According to The Times of Israel and reported by Newsweek, the plan was put forward by IDF chief of staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, and it outlines the “conquering of Gaza and holding the territories.” Officials added that the idea includes the “capturing of the strip and the holding of territories.”

“The plan will include, among other things, the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories, moving the Gaza population south for their protection,” an Israeli official stated, as quoted by Agence France Presse.

Zamir announced the mobilization on Sunday, emphasizing that more troops were necessary to “increase pressure” on Hamas. The elimination of the militant group is the declared aim of the Israeli offensive, in retaliation for a Hamas-led incursion into Israel in October 2023.

This is likely to expand the war and increase tensions.