Israeli Leaders Agree To Increase Attacks On Hamas To Control Gaza Strip

JAKARTA - Israel's Security Cabinet led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chose to step up attacks on Palestinian militant groups Hamas in Gaza to seize the entire enclave and control its territory, an Israeli official said on Monday.

Reports by Israeli public broadcaster Kan, citing officials familiar with the details, said the new plan was gradual and would take months, with troops focused first on one Palestinian enclave.

Such a schedule could open up opportunities for a ceasefire and talks on a hostage release agreement ahead of US President Donald Trump's visit to the region next week, according to security cabinet minister Zeev Elkin.

"There is still a chance until President Trump ends his visit to the Middle East, if Hamas understands that we are serious," Elkin told Kan on Monday.

Israel, which has taken control of about a third of Gaza's territory, resumed ground operations in March following the failure of a US-backed ceasefire that has halted fighting for two months. Since then, Israel has imposed a total blockade of aid to the enclave.

Elkin said instead of launching attacks on certain areas and then leaving them as the military has done so far, Israeli forces will now control the territory they are fighting for, until Hamas is defeated or agrees to strip and leave Gaza.

Separately, Hamas has ruled out the call.

Israeli officials said the newly approved offensive plan would move Gaza's civilian population to the south and prevent humanitarian aid from falling into Hamas' hands, although the blockade would not yet be lifted.