Smotrich says Israel will not retreat from occupied Gaza territories, not even in exchange for captives

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said there will be no withdrawal from the areas Israel controls in Gaza "when the ground incursion into Gaza begins," not even in exchange for the captive soldiers, according to media reports.

Israel's security cabinet, meanwhile, approved the expansion of military operations in Gaza, including the occupation of the Palestinian territory, an official said Monday, after the army called up tens of thousands of reservists for the offensive.

It comes as the United Nations and aid organisations have repeatedly warned of the humanitarian catastrophe on the ground, with famine again looming after more than two months of a total Israeli blockade.

The plan, approved by the cabinet overnight, includes maintaining control over parts of the besieged Gaza Strip, the official said. It comes amid growing concerns over Israel’s efforts to forcibly displace Gaza’s population from the territory.