OREANDA-NEWS  The Israeli Military and Political Cabinet has approved a plan to expand operations in the Gaza Strip, including the possibility of its occupation by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This is reported by The Times of Israel.

"The plan stipulates that the IDF will take control of the territory of Gaza, relocate the civilian population to the south of the enclave, strike at Hamas and prevent the terrorist group from taking control of the distribution of humanitarian aid," the statement said.

Earlier, the Palestinian radical movement Hamas expressed its readiness to conclude a truce with Israel for a period of five years and release all hostages held in Gaza at the same time. According to the group's spokesman, Abdel Rahman Shadid, the Israeli government rejected the proposal.

Israel resumed military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip on March 18. This happened after the movement rejected the US proposal to extend the cease-fire regime in force at that time.