ALBAWABA - The Israeli army announced a bid to implement full military control in Gaza amid plans to expand military operations in the strip.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the plan during the security cabinet session late Sunday night, saying that the plan includes the "control of Gaza, the movement of Gazans southwards, and denying Hamas's ability to distribute humanitarian aid," according to The Jerusalem Post.
The Prime Minister mentioned that the newly approved plan will assist in fasten achieving Israel's war goals: defeating Hamas and the return of the hostages taken on Oct. 7, 2023.
According to Israeli media, the new fighting plan will likely start after US President Donald Trump's visit to the region next week.
Nonetheless, the European Union (EU) on Monday expressed concerns after Israel's security cabinet approved expanding the military operation in Gaza.
"The European Union is concerned at the planned extension of the operation by Israeli forces in Gaza, which will result in further casualties and suffering for the Palestinian population. We urge Israel to exercise the utmost restraint," EU spokesman Anouar El Anouni revealed, as reported by AFP.
Moreover, the head of Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Jan Egeland, decried Israel's plan to control the distribution of humanitarian aid to Gaza, describing the move as "fundamentally against humanitarian principles".
