Israeli Cabinet to Vote on Expanding Gaza Conflict Amid Growing Tensions

TEL AVIV, Israel — On Sunday, Israeli Cabinet ministers are scheduled to meet to decide whether to intensify military operations in the Gaza Strip, as the country prepares for a potential escalation in its ongoing conflict with Hamas. The Israeli military has already begun calling up thousands of reserve soldiers as part of the preparations for a larger assault.

At the same time, a missile attack from Iranian-backed rebels in Yemen caused a brief halt in air traffic at Israel’s main Ben-Gurion Airport. The Israeli military reported that a projectile landed near the airport, though it was unclear whether it was a missile or an interceptor fired by Israel’s defense system.

This latest escalation comes more than 18 months after the war in Gaza erupted and amid worsening humanitarian conditions in the territory. Israel’s efforts to pressure Hamas into negotiating a ceasefire on Israel’s terms have intensified, with the country halting the entry of goods into Gaza earlier this year. The blockade has plunged Gaza’s 2.3 million residents into what is considered the worst humanitarian crisis since the conflict began.

The Renewed Conflict and Rising Casualties

In March, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas collapsed after eight weeks of relative calm. The subsequent resumption of hostilities has resulted in significant casualties. Since then, Israel has launched extensive airstrikes on Gaza, capturing large portions of the coastal enclave. According to Palestinian health officials, hundreds of Palestinians, many of them women and children, have been killed. On the Israeli side, at least six soldiers have died in the renewed fighting.

Israel’s influential security Cabinet will meet on Sunday evening to vote on whether to escalate the conflict. While details of the potential plan remain unclear, Israeli officials have confirmed that the country is calling up thousands of reserve soldiers in preparation for further military action.

Far-Right Calls for Escalation

Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has expressed strong support for expanding the war. Speaking to Israeli Army Radio, Ben-Gvir emphasized the need for a “powerful” increase in military intensity, though he stopped short of providing specifics.

“We need to increase the intensity and continue until we achieve total victory. We must win a total victory,” Ben-Gvir said.

The war began when Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. In response, Israel’s military offensive has been relentless, with devastating effects on Gaza’s population.

Gaza’s Devastation and Growing Displacement

As the fighting continues, Gaza has been left in ruins. Over 52,000 Palestinians have died, with many casualties being women and children. Health officials in Gaza report that the death toll continues to rise, while the fighting has displaced more than 90% of the population, often forcing people to flee multiple times. Widespread hunger has sparked looting, further compounding the crisis.

In addition to the devastation in Gaza, Israel has faced continued attacks from the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who launched a missile at Israel on Sunday. The missile triggered air raid sirens across much of the country, and a large plume of smoke was seen rising near Ben-Gurion Airport. Passengers in the airport scrambled for cover as authorities responded to the threat. Though there were no major casualties, Israeli paramedics reported that four people were lightly wounded.

Israel’s Response and Vow of Retaliation

In response to the missile attack, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz vowed swift retribution. “Whoever harms us, we will harm them sevenfold,” Katz said, signaling Israel’s commitment to retaliating for any attacks against its territory.

As tensions mount, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the ongoing violence that has claimed so many lives and devastated entire communities.