The Israel Defense Forces will gradually enter tracts of northern and southern Gaza and stay long term to root out Hamas fighters and destroy their tunnels.

Israel’s cabinet changed course on Gaza in dramatic fashion. It decided to “expand” military operations in the strip again and put in place a new plan to distribute aid to Gaza’s population. Israel’s hard right sees a path to a permanent reoccupation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the population of Gaza will be displaced to the south after his security cabinet approved an expanded military operation in the enclave that a minister described as a plan to “conquer” the territory.