Israel's Security Cabinet to Discuss Full Gaza Occupation Amid Rising Tensions

Israel's security cabinet is scheduled to convene on Thursday to discuss the possibility of a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip. This move comes amid escalating tensions and a significant rise in casualties.

According to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) operations have resulted in 135 fatalities and 771 injuries in the past 24 hours.

Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has yet to finalize his stance on the proposed expansion of military operations in Gaza. He is expected to raise pertinent questions during the upcoming security cabinet meeting.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich addressed the ongoing conflict, stating, "Hamas can't be defeated with tanks alone."

In a related development, physical confrontations occurred outside the IDF headquarters between security personnel and families of hostages during a rally advocating for their release.

The IDF has issued evacuation notices to residents of the Nasser neighborhood in Khan Yunis, urging them to move westward. The Nasser Hospital is exempt from this evacuation order.

Internationally, the United Nations and various NGOs have called on Israeli authorities to reconsider their directive requiring international aid groups operating in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza to provide personal data about their Palestinian employees.

Additionally, the Mufti of Jerusalem, Sheikh Muhammad Hussein, has been suspended from the Al-Aqsa Mosque for six months by the Jerusalem District police commander. His defense attorney, Khaldoun Najm, indicated plans to petition the High Court of Justice regarding this decision.