In a meeting on Wednesday morning, Zamir gave the green light for the plan's "main concept", which means that Israel will take control of the city. Israel's military also confirms that an offensive has already begun in the Zeitoun area in Gaza City on Tuesday.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israeli security cabinet approved the escalated war plans on Sunday. At a press conference, he stated that the purpose is to bring home the hostages and "liberate Gaza".
Terror-stamped Hamas stated on Wednesday that Israel is carrying out "aggressive" ground attacks in Gaza City, after the message from Israel's military chief.
Israel's plan for Gaza City has been criticized. A strike is announced for Sunday by the families of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas, who fear that an escalation of the war will increase the risk of the hostages being killed. Even Eyal Zamir was initially critical of the plan, but has now approved it "in accordance with the directives from the political leadership", according to Israel's military.
