Egypt Daily News – Israel has given Hamas a deadline of several days—until the upcoming visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to the region next week—to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. In the meantime, Israel has approved the expansion of its military operations, including a full occupation of the Gaza Strip and control over the flow of humanitarian aid.
A senior Israeli military official, quoted by Agence France-Presse, said there is currently a window of opportunity for Hamas to agree to a deal regarding the hostages in Gaza during President Trump’s visit.
If no agreement is reached, the official confirmed that they would launch a large-scale military operation named “Chariots of Gideon,” already approved by Israel’s Security Cabinet. The official stressed that the operation will not stop until all of Israel’s objectives are achieved.
According to Israel’s Channel 14, the name “Chariots of Gideon” carries religious, historical, and military significance.
Gaza occupation and aid control plan
Israeli officials said the country may seize full control of the Gaza Strip and oversee aid distribution as part of a broader assault, following approval by the government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as reported by Reuters.
An Israeli defense official stated that no major military escalation would occur until after President Trump concludes his Middle East visit next week. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the government told reporters online that reserve troops were being called up to expand operations in Gaza, though he claimed the aim was not to occupy the territory.
Gradual plan over months
A report by Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, citing informed sources, stated that the new military plan will unfold gradually over several months, initially focusing on one area of the besieged enclave.
Israeli forces have already taken control of about a third of the Gaza Strip, causing mass displacement among Palestinians and setting up watchtowers and monitoring stations in areas designated by the army as “security zones.” The new plan, however, intends to push further.
The distribution of aid—previously handled by international relief organizations and the United Nations—will be transferred to private companies and redirected to southern Rafah once the attack begins.
Hamas response
The Israeli military says it will retain control of the “security zones” around Gaza, claiming they are vital for the protection of Israeli communities near the enclave.
In response, Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi rejected Israel’s proposals, calling them “pressure and blackmail.” He said, “There will be no agreement unless it is a comprehensive one, including a full ceasefire, a complete withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction of the Strip, and the release of all prisoners on both sides.”
Netanyahu: Gaza residents will be relocated
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday that the new offensive in Gaza will be a full-scale military operation aimed at defeating Hamas. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Netanyahu stated that “the residents will be relocated for their safety,” according to his claim.
He emphasized that army would not carry out raids and withdraw but instead “intend to stay” and retain control over seized areas.
This announcement came amid protests in Jerusalem against Netanyahu’s government, with demonstrators objecting to the expanded military campaign.
Criticism from hostage families
Families of the hostages held in Gaza harshly criticized the government’s new military plan, accusing it of “sacrificing the hostages.” The Forum of Hostage and Missing Families released a statement saying the plan should be called the “Smotrich-Netanyahu Plan”—a reference to the finance minister and the prime minister—claiming it prioritizes military goals over the safe return of captives.
Security cabinet approves control of Gaza
Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a broader plan that includes the occupation of Gaza, asserting control over its territory and advancing the idea of voluntary migration for residents. A political source told AFP the plan includes “strong strikes against Hamas,” though the exact nature was not disclosed.
Netanyahu is also reportedly continuing to promote former President Trump’s proposal encouraging “voluntary migration” of Gazans to neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan.
Military spokesman: a more organized operation
Israeli military spokesperson Efi Dverin stated that the new operation would involve a large-scale assault, including the relocation of Gaza residents to the south and the mobilization of reservists.
He claimed the army has a “more organized military plan” to eliminate Hamas and free the hostages, insisting that Israel is preparing for an extensive operation that will include holding territory and undermining Hamas’ authority.
Netanyahu reiterated earlier that Israeli forces will not withdraw from Gaza after launching airstrikes, confirming the intention to maintain a permanent military presence in the areas under Israeli control.
