Israel Plans 2-Month Campaign to Seize Control of 3/4 of Gaza

The IDF is preparing a two-month military campaign aimed at seizing control of 75% of the Gaza Strip in an effort to dismantle Hamas’s military and governing presence, according to a Sunday report from the Times of Israel.

Currently, Israel controls around 40% of the territory. Following the end of a two-month ceasefire on March 18, Israel resumed its offensive with a wave of airstrikes and has since mobilized five divisions and tens of thousands of troops for a large-scale ground operation. This campaign may intensify unless Hamas agrees to release the hostages.

As part of its plan, the IDF intends to relocate Palestinian civilians into three designated areas: a “safer zone” along the southern coast near Mawasi, a corridor in the center of Gaza encompassing Deir al-Balah and Nuseirat, and parts of Gaza City where many civilians had returned during the truce. The military’s strategy involves eliminating Hamas’s operational infrastructure, razing key buildings, and maintaining control over strategic areas such as Rafah, Khan Younis, and towns north of Gaza City.

Israeli military officials have shifted focus from targeting individual terrorists to capturing territory and dismantling Hamas’ infrastructure. Although the group’s underground tunnel network is estimated at 900 kilometers in length, only about a quarter has been destroyed so far. The IDF is concentrating on tunnels used for combat, command operations, and arms manufacturing.

IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, during a visit to Khan Younis, emphasized that the conflict “is not an endless war,” and noted that Hamas is facing immense pressure after losing assets and operational leadership. Financially, Hamas is also strained, having been unable to pay salaries since March 2, when Israel halted aid following the initial phase of the ceasefire.

A new system for delivering humanitarian aid is set to begin on Monday, involving four distribution centers in Gaza overseen by a private U.S. security firm and supported by the IDF. Footage released Sunday appears to show Hamas members looting aid trucks under the current system.

Concurrently, the IDF continues its active combat under the banner of Operation “Gideon’s Chariots,” targeting enemy fighters, booby-trapped locations, and anti-tank sites. Over the past day, more than 100 targets have been struck. Nearly all of Israel’s combat brigades—including Golani, Givati, Nahal, Kfir, Paratroopers, Commando units, and the 7th, 188th, and 401st armored divisions—are now operating in Gaza, with Paratroopers having recently joined the offensive in Khan Younis.