Government unanimously approves future Gaza operations

The Israeli government has approved expanded operations in the Gaza Strip by unanimous decision, according to a report tonight (Sunday) by Channel 14.

The government also approved plans to provide humanitarian aid, under IDF protection, via civilian companies made up of Americans experienced in handling themselves in war zones, with only National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir objecting.

Previously, a State Department official noted that the opposition of the UN and affiliated agencies to the plan and their refusal to take part in the effort was a "bad optic" in that it made the international humanitarian agencies effectively take the same side as Hamas, which wants the ability to be able to steal and then use or resell the aid for its own purposes.

Further details on the scope of the planned operation are not yet forthcoming, though it is known that Prime Minister Netanyahu supported a partial expansion of IDF operations, as opposed to more hawkish elements who wanted a complete takeover of the Gaza Strip.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir warned that expanding operations will necessarily risk the lives of the remaining living hostages, whose number is assessed at between 20 and 24 based on Israeli intelligence.

According to Axios, the operation is not expected to launch until President Trump's visit to the Middle East ends two weeks from now. Until then, efforts to reach a deal on the hostages and disarming Hamas will continue.