Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet has approved a gradual expansion of the ongoing military offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli public broadcaster Kan, citing sources familiar with the decision.

The development marks a significant escalation in the months-long conflict, as the Israeli military begins issuing tens of thousands of call-up orders for reserve forces in preparation for what military leaders are calling “the next stage” of the war.

“We are increasing the pressure with the goal of returning our people (hostages) and defeating Hamas,” said Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, the Israeli army chief, in a statement on Sunday addressed to troops.

Cabinet Meeting Follows Missile Incident

According to Reuters, the security cabinet’s decision came hours after a missile launched from Yemen by the Iranian-backed Houthi militia fell near Ben Gurion Airport, Israel’s primary international gateway. In a video message posted to X, Netanyahu confirmed he had convened his security team to deliberate on the future direction of the Gaza campaign.

Ground Operations Resume, Blockade Remains

Israel resumed ground operations in March following the collapse of a U.S.-backed ceasefire that had held for two months. Since then, Israeli forces have regained control of roughly one-third of Gaza’s territory, according to military estimates.

The cabinet also approved a new plan for aid distribution within Gaza, according to Ynet News, though the timeline for implementation remains uncertain. Israel has come under growing international pressure to lift the blockade it reimposed in March, which has dramatically curtailed humanitarian aid to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.

Israel has defended the blockade by accusing Hamas of diverting aid for militant use or reselling it — a claim Hamas has categorically denied.

Devastating Human Toll

The Gaza war began following the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas militants, who killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures — marking the deadliest day in Israel’s history.

Since then, more than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities, with large swaths of Gaza reduced to rubble and its civilian infrastructure decimated. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, with critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.