Israeli Government’s Expanded Military Operations in Gaza Met with Resistance Amidst Rising Humanitarian Crisis

Tensions surrounding hostage negotiations and a ceasefire in Gaza remain stalemated, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly advocating for expanded military operations while Hamas calls for addressing the humanitarian crisis before returning to discussions.

According to reports from Israeli media sources, Netanyahu is expected to convene a meeting of the security cabinet in support of a comprehensive “conquest of Gaza.” Senior officials close to Netanyahu have been quoted saying, “The die is cast – we’re going for full conquest. If the Chief of Staff doesn’t agree – he should resign.”

However, concerns have been raised about the defense establishment’s opposition to widening ground operations in areas where hostages are believed to be held due to potential risks to their safety. A group of mothers of Israeli soldiers has expressed concern that such actions would endanger both hostages and soldiers. The Palestinian Authority has urged international intervention in the matter.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar stated on Monday that the proposed escalation reflects a desire to bring all hostages home and conclude the conflict. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has voiced concerns that this approach could result in the hostages’ deaths from starvation, beatings, and torture, as well as placing them at risk during IDF operations.

It remains uncertain whether the Israeli government’s stance aligns with that of US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff met with the families of Israeli hostages over the weekend and reportedly stated that the goal is not to expand the war but to end it, suggesting a “all or nothing” approach to negotiations. Witkoff also reportedly indicated that someone would be held accountable if the remaining living hostages do not return to Israel alive.

Witkoff’s team did not provide further comment when approached for information on the special envoy’s statements. Trump announced that Witkoff is likely to travel to Moscow later in the week.

Fifty hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 20 believed to still be alive. The release of images by Hamas depicting two hostages, Evyatar David and Rom Braslavski, appearing weak and emaciated has sparked widespread shock in Israel.

Netanyahu has contended that these images demonstrate Hamas’ unwillingness to negotiate and their aim to break the nation through disturbing videos and international propaganda. However, the families forum has cautioned against expanding military operations in Gaza, stating that claims of hostage liberation through military victory are false.

The forum has called for both Israel and Hamas to commit to returning all 50 hostages, ending the conflict, and rebuilding and reviving Israel. Hamas has insisted its commitment to negotiations but only when the humanitarian crisis is addressed.

Hunger-related deaths in Gaza have spiked in July, with malnutrition rates reaching “alarming levels,” according to the World Health Organization. More than 5,000 children under five were admitted for outpatient treatment of malnutrition in the first two weeks of July alone.

The Hamas-controlled Government Media Office in Gaza has stated that 600 truckloads of aid are needed daily to alleviate the hunger crisis, but an average of only 84 trucks per day have entered the territory in the past week. Additionally, many of the trucks that do get in are often looted by desperate civilians or organized gangs.

The United Nations reported on Friday that nearly 1,400 people have been killed since the end of May while seeking food, with most of the killings committed by the Israeli military. Thirty people were killed on Sunday while attempting to acquire food, 19 in the north and 11 near an aid site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation in Rafah, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

CNN has reached out to the Israeli military for comment. Public opinion polls in Israel have consistently shown a majority favoring an end to the conflict in Gaza and the safe release of hostages. A new survey by the Institute for National Security Studies found that 38% of Israeli Jews believe it is not possible to disarm Hamas, while 57% believe it is achievable.

On Monday, hundreds of retired Israeli security officials urged Trump to press Netanyahu to end the conflict in Gaza. Former Shin Bet security service director Ami Ayalon commented that “at first this war was a just war, a defensive war, but when we achieved all military objectives, this war ceased to be a just war.” However, far-right members of the government are advocating for the occupation of much of Gaza and measures to encourage its population to leave the territory.