Israels security cabinet has approved a military offensive that an official said would include the conquest of the Gaza Strip and moving the enclaves remaining population to the south for their protection. The plan was unanimously approved by the ministers.

Israelssecurity cabinet approved a plan to expand military operations in Gaza, including the conquest of the Palestinian territory and a new push for its residents to leave, an official said Monday.

The decision, made overnight, came hours after the military announced it was calling up tens of thousands of reservists to expand its offensive againstHamasin theGaza Strip.

The plan will include, among other things, the conquest of the Gaza Strip and the holding of the territories, moving the Gaza population south for their protection, the official said.

Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahucontinues to promote a proposal by US PresidentDonald Trumpfor the voluntary departure of Gazans to neighbouring countries such as Jordan or Egypt, the source added.

Read moreTrump floats plan to 'just clean out' Gaza and resettle Palestinians in Jordan and Egypt

The cabinet which includes Netanyahu and several Israeli ministers unanimously approved the plan aimed at defeating Gazas Palestinian Islamist rulers Hamas and securing the return of hostages held in Gaza.

The official source said the plan included powerful strikes against Hamas, without specifying their nature.

On Sunday, army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said the military was calling up tens of thousands of reservists to expand its war in Gaza.

Read moreIsrael calls up tens of thousands of reservists ahead of Gaza offensive

The cabinet also approved the possibility of humanitarian distribution in Gaza, under full Israeli blockade since March 2.

It said there was currently enough food in the territory, although humanitarian organisations and UN agencies have warned of the blockades dire consequences for Gazas 2.4 million people.

Read moreGazans face starvation as Israels blockade enters third month

The cabinet approved by a large majority the possibility of a humanitarian distribution, if necessary, to prevent Hamas from taking control of the supplies and to destroy its governance capabilities, the official said.

Israel has intensified aerial bombardments and expanded ground operations in the Gaza Strip since resuming its offensive in the Palestinian territory on March 18.

Israel says the blockade and intensified bombardments aim to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages held in Gaza.

Militants in the territory still hold 58 hostages seized in Hamass October 2023 attack on Israel.

The Hamas attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

Israels retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 52,535 people in Gaza, the majority of them civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Originally published on France24