Overview

• Israel's Security Cabinet has formally approved a plan to escalate its military campaign in Gaza, including permanent occupation and the forced relocation of Palestinians to southern Gaza.
• The decision includes the mobilization of tens of thousands of reservists to implement the expanded operation.
• Israeli airstrikes on May 7 targeted schools and shelters in Gaza, killing at least 59 civilians, including women and children, according to hospital reports.
• The Israeli government asserts the campaign aims to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages taken during its October 2023 attack on Israel.
• Global human rights organizations and the United Nations have condemned the strikes and plans, warning of potential violations of international law and worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.