Israel Expands Gaza Offensive, Mobilizes Reservists, and Revamps Aid Plan

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Israel’s security cabinet has unanimously approved a major expansion of the military offensive in Gaza and a controversial overhaul of the humanitarian aid distribution system, Israeli officials confirmed Sunday.

While the decision sets the stage for a deepened campaign against Hamas, implementation is expected to be delayed until after U.S. President Donald Trump visits the region next week, during which diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire and hostage deal will continue.

On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began issuing call-up orders for tens of thousands of reservists to support the planned expansion. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the mobilization late last week, and it received formal backing from the security cabinet.

“We are increasing the pressure with the goal of returning our people and defeating Hamas,” said IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir in a statement to troops. The military campaign, which resumed on March 18, is expected to proceed in stages, with Israeli forces already in control of roughly 40% of Gaza.

Parallel to its military strategy, the cabinet also approved a new aid delivery mechanism designed to prevent Hamas from diverting supplies.

The plan, first reported by The Times of Israel, replaces bulk warehousing with direct distribution to individual families by international organizations and private contractors. Israeli troops will not handle the aid directly but will provide security around distribution zones.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir cast the lone vote against the aid plan, which Israeli officials say aims to reduce the militant group’s control over humanitarian goods. “The goal is to break Hamas’s hold, even over food,” one Israeli official said.

The United Nations and humanitarian groups have strongly condemned the plan. In a formal statement, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warned that Israel’s new strategy “contravenes fundamental humanitarian principles” and “appears designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic.”

“The design of the plan will mean large parts of Gaza, including the less mobile and most vulnerable people, will continue to go without supplies,” OCHA said. The UN and all humanitarian entities under the Humanitarian Country Team have unanimously refused to participate in the new aid scheme, arguing it risks forcing civilians into militarized zones and endangering aid workers.

Israel halted aid deliveries on March 2, accusing Hamas of diverting supplies during a six-week ceasefire. Officials said that, at the time, 650 aid trucks per day had entered Gaza, sufficient to meet the population’s basic needs—until Hamas allegedly interfered.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with over 52,500 Palestinians reported killed since Israel began its response to Hamas’s October 7 attack that left 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 kidnapped. Of the 59 hostages still believed to be in Gaza, fewer than half are thought to be alive.

Israeli officials say the expanded mobilization and new aid plan aim to balance military goals with humanitarian needs.

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