Israel adopts plan to conquer and occupy Gaza

(JTA) — Israel’s government approved a plan on Sunday to conquer and occupy the Gaza Strip, a major expansion of its military campaign there and a sign that the war is far from ending.

The plan passed unanimously in Israel’s cabinet despite warnings by the country’s military chief that it will endanger the lives of the hostages still held by Hamas. It will also trigger an extensive call-up of military reservists, many of whom have already served for extended periods during the war.

The plan was approved alongside a new structure for delivering humanitarian aid, which Israel has blocked from th...