Israeli military chief approves plan to take control of Gaza city

Amid the ongoing military assault, Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has approved a plan for the occupation of the Gaza Strip. The strategy includes a renewed offensive aimed at expelling Palestinians from the enclave.

According to reports, the Israeli government is preparing to intensify its offensive by implementing an occupation plan expected to receive formal approval from the authorities and Defence Minister Israel Katz later this week.

The plan will also be shared with the United States, which has urged a ceasefire in Gaza. However, President Donald Trump said he would not interfere and would let Israel handle the conflict on its own

Under the proposed plan, Israeli forces will carry out a forced evacuation of Palestinians over two weeks, after which the military will take full control of Gaza City.

Read: US stops visitor visas for people from Gaza

The occupation strategy is already in motion, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu earlier approved a phased takeover of Gaza on August 8, following airstrikes on the al-Zaytoun neighbourhood that destroyed residential areas.

Despite mounting international condemnation, Israel continues its offensive in Gaza.

Several Western countries have warned they may formally recognise Palestine next month if the assault does not cease and humanitarian aid is not allowed into the enclave.

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Netanyahu, however, has dismissed such moves, claiming that recognising Palestine would amount to a “reward” for Hamas.

It remains unclear how international organisations and Western governments will respond if Israel moves forward with its Gaza occupation plan. So far, they have failed to take comprehensive action despite nearly a year and a half of military onslaught.

According to local health authorities, Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 61,827 people and wounded 155,275 others.