Israel may seize all of Gaza in expanded operation: Officials

New offensive will be intensive, says Netanyahu; Hamas calls move pressure and blackmail;’ agencies slam new aid plans; UN chief, European Union concerned’ over Israel Gaza plan, urge restraint

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday an expanded offensive against Hamas would be “intensive” after his security cabinet approved plans that may include seizing the Gaza Strip and controlling aid.

However an Israeli defence official said the operation would not be launched before US President Donald Trump concludes his visit next week to the Middle East. The decision, after weeks of faltering efforts to agree a ceasefire with Hamas, underlines the threat that a war heaping international pressure on Israel amid dwindling public support at home could continue with no end in sight.

“The operation will include a broad attack, including moving most of the population of the Gaza Strip. This is in order to protect them in a sterile area away from Hamas,” army spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said.

Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi rejected what he called “pressure and blackmail.” “No deal except a comprehensive one, which includes a complete ceasefire, full withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, and the release of all prisoners from both sides,” he said.