Israel plans major Gaza offensive to dismantle Hamas and seize territory

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced plans to capture up to 75 per cent of the Gaza Strip’s territory within two months as part of its latest military campaign against Hamas. The new strategy shifts focus from targeting individual operatives to territorial control and the dismantling of Hamas’s military and civil infrastructure. 

Ending the two-month ceasefire unilaterally, Israel resumed airstrikes on Gaza on March 18, deploying five divisions to the Strip. A large-scale ground operation is now being prepared. According to senior military officials, the campaign is designed to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining 58 hostages, only 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

The IDF intends to push Gaza’s civilian population—currently estimated at two million—into three designated zones that together comprise just 25 per cent of the territory. These include the Mawasi coastal area in the south, declared a "humanitarian zone"; parts of central Gaza including Deir al-Balah and Nuseirat; and central Gaza City, where many residents returned during the recent ceasefire.

Roughly seven lakh Palestinians are now believed to be in the Mawasi area, three lakh to three and a half lakh in central Gaza, and around ten lakh in Gaza City. Once civilians have been displaced, the IDF plans to occupy and retain the remaining 75 per cent of the Strip, encompassing all of Rafah, Khan Younis, and towns north of Gaza City. Much of this area is expected to be cleared of infrastructure and buildings.

The offensive will focus on dismantling Hamas’s extensive network of tunnels and military installations. While the group is estimated to have constructed 900 kilometres of tunnels, the IDF says only 25 per cent have been destroyed to date. Priority has been given to attack tunnels, command centres and weapons factories, the majority of which are believed to have been neutralised.

Military officials argue that defeating Hamas requires not only destroying its military wing but also ending its ability to govern and intercepting its control over humanitarian aid. To this end, Israel is establishing a new aid distribution mechanism operated by a private American security company, with the IDF providing perimeter security. Four aid hubs have already been set up across the Strip.

Before the ceasefire broke down, the IDF claimed that Hamas was diverting aid to fund its operations, either using the supplies directly or selling them at inflated prices to pay salaries and recruit members. Since Israel halted aid entry on March 2, Hamas has reportedly struggled to pay its fighters.

Despite these efforts, Hamas continues to produce short-range rockets and a limited number capable of reaching central Israel. Military officials acknowledge that the group is under immense pressure, having lost significant command and control capabilities, but it remains resilient. The current phase of the operation, dubbed “Gideon’s Chariots,” is expected to continue for at least two more months.

IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said during a recent tour of Khan Younis that the conflict is not “an endless war,” emphasising that Israel is pursuing an “orderly plan” to defeat Hamas. A senior military official added, “What drives Hamas to a deal is military pressure, that’s what has brought hostages back so far.”

However, Israeli political leaders have yet to define a plan for post-conflict governance in Gaza. Officials have admitted that no meaningful discussion has taken place regarding who would rule the territory once Hamas is removed.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed the government’s intentions last week, stating: “We are going to take control of the entire Strip — that’s what we are going to do.” In reference to humanitarian conditions, he added, “To complete the victory, defeat Hamas and free our hostages, we must not reach a state of famine. Politically and practically, no one will support us in that case.”