'Israel’s' Chief of Staff approves next phase of Gaza war

'Israel’s' Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, announced on Sunday that the military has approved a plan to move into the “next phase” of its operations in Gaza.

“Today we are approving the plan for the next phase of the war,” Zamir said during a field tour in the Gaza Strip, according to a military statement.

Zamir asserted that the objectives of Operation “Gideon’s Chariots,” a ground offensive launched in May aimed at expanding 'Israel’s' control over northern Gaza, have been largely achieved.

“We will maintain the momentum of Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots’ while focusing on Gaza City,” he added. “We will continue to strike until the decisive defeat of Hamas.”

Last week, 'Israel’s' Security Cabinet endorsed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to fully reoccupy Gaza, a move that sparked international condemnation and domestic protests, with critics warning that it could endanger 'Israeli' captives held in the enclave.

Zamir described the reoccupation plan as part of a broader strategy targeting “all components of the axis, and first and foremost Iran.”

According to military outlines, the operation would begin with the takeover of Gaza City, displacing nearly one million residents southward, encircling the city, and conducting neighborhood raids. A second phase would target central Gaza’s refugee camps, many of which have already been heavily damaged.

Since October 2023, more than 61,900 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza as a result of 'Israeli' military actions, leaving the enclave devastated and on the brink of famine.