Israel reportedly plans March offensive in Gaza

The Israeli Defense Forces are reportedly planning to launch another large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip in March, targeting mainly the city of Gaza. The aim is to move the so-called yellow line of the ceasefire closer to the coast and gain greater control over the territory.

According to the Times of Israel website, the plan requires the approval of the US, which still prefers a diplomatic solution, including the disarmament of Hamas.

Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to support the ceasefire during talks with US President Donald Trump, he also ordered the army to prepare a contingency plan in case the peace efforts fail.

According to an Israeli source, the Jewish state currently controls about 53 percent of Gaza, and the March offensive could increase that share. The army's plans indicate that Tel Aviv is preparing for the possibility of an escalation of the conflict if diplomatic efforts do not bring the desired results.

(pir)