• Netanyahu's security cabinet approved a plan for Israeli forces to reoccupy parts of Gaza, relocate Palestinians, and maintain long-term control.
• The escalation is tied to a proposed ceasefire and hostage release deal, with Israel proceeding with the operation if no agreement is reached before President Trump's visit to the Middle East.
• The plan faces widespread condemnation over concerns regarding humanitarian impact, potential annexation, and prioritization of territory over hostage release.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans for a significant escalation in the Gaza conflict, signaling a shift toward reoccupation and sustained military control. This new strategy involves the displacement of Palestinian civilians into 'sterile zones', while Israeli forces target Hamas fighters and infrastructure. The plan has sparked intense debate regarding its potential long-term consequences, including the possibility of annexing the Gaza Strip and the humanitarian implications for the Palestinian population. The announcement comes amid stalled ceasefire negotiations and ahead of President Trump's visit to the Middle East.

• What: Israel plans to escalate the war in Gaza with a new military operation involving the reoccupation of territory, displacement of the Palestinian population, and potential long-term Israeli control.
• Who: Key individuals involved include Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin. Key organizations include IDF, Hamas, Hostage Families Forum, United Nations, and various aid organizations.
• When: The plan was approved by the security cabinet on Sunday and is linked to President Trump's visit to the Middle East, scheduled to begin May 13. The escalation is expected to be gradual, with full force implementation contingent on the outcome of ceasefire negotiations.
• Where: The events are focused on the Gaza Strip and surrounding areas. Trump's visit includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

The planned escalation in Gaza represents a significant shift in Israel's strategy, moving towards a more assertive and potentially long-term military presence. The potential for reoccupation and the establishment of 'sterile zones' raise serious concerns about the humanitarian impact on the Palestinian population. The plan's reliance on U.S. support and the timing around President Trump's visit highlight the geopolitical complexities of the situation. The internal debates within the Israeli government and military, particularly regarding the prioritization of hostage release versus defeating Hamas, underscore the divisions and challenges in achieving a cohesive strategy. International condemnation and the rejection of the aid framework by humanitarian organizations further complicate the situation, raising questions about the feasibility and ethical implications of the plan.

It’s time to launch the concluding moves...we are not done. We are before the finish line.

The government admitted this morning that it is choosing territory over hostages, and this is against the will of over 70 percent of the people.

Once we conquer and stay – we can talk about sovereignty (over Gaza). But I didn’t demand that it be included in the war’s objectives... Once the maneuver begins – there will be no withdrawal from the territories we’ve captured, not even in exchange for hostages.

Netanyahu's intensified operation in Gaza marks a critical and precarious juncture, potentially leading to a full military occupation, accompanied by the displacement of the Palestinian population southward and Israeli control over aid distribution. This strategy faces immense challenges, including a dire humanitarian crisis exacerbated by a total blockade, internal Israeli dissent over sacrificing hostages for military gains, and widespread international condemnation. The long-term viability of this plan is threatened by the uncertain fate of hostages, the potential for a wider regional conflict, and the growing rift between Israel and its allies. While Netanyahu aims to defeat Hamas and reshape Gaza, his actions are seen by some as a tactic for political survival amid corruption cases and a means to satisfy ideological goals of his right-wing coalition. The future hinges on factors such as the potential for a hostage deal, the extent of international pressure, and the capacity of Hamas to resist a sustained Israeli presence. The reoccupation and continued conflict raise the specter of a "second Nakba," with the possibility of long-term instability and a further devastated Palestinian population.