On May 5, 2025, Israel’s security cabinet approved a controversial plan to seize the entire Gaza Strip and maintain indefinite military control, escalating the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an intensive operation, raising fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis. Amid this tension, we explore Israel’s culture with a recipe for Shakshuka, a beloved traditional dish.
Israel’s Aggressive New Strategy
Israel’s cabinet, led by Netanyahu, unanimously approved a plan to capture and hold Gaza indefinitely, marking a shift from temporary raids to permanent occupation, as reported by Sky News. The operation involves seizing territories like the Morag Corridor, a former Israeli settlement area, to divide Gaza and pressure Hamas into releasing 59 remaining hostages, 24 believed to be alive.
[](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/israel/israel-gaza-intensify-military-operation-hamas-rcna204770)[](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/02/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-offensive-hamas-war-katz.html)Netanyahu stated, “We are now dividing the Strip and increasing the pressure step by step so they will give us our hostages,” emphasizing a strategy to “crush and clear” areas of militants and infrastructure. The plan also includes mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists, signaling a prolonged military presence.
[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/02/middleeast/israel-expands-military-operations-gaza-intl-hnk/index.html)[](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/04/israel-gaza-war-expansion-reservists/)
Humanitarian Crisis and International Backlash
The plan exacerbates Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, with over 52,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Israel’s blockade, now in its third month, bans all goods, including food and medical supplies, pushing half the population into famine-like conditions. The UN condemned the strategy, stating it “appears designed to reinforce control over life-sustaining items as a pressure tactic,” leaving vulnerable populations without aid.
[](https://www.nbcnews.com/world/israel/israel-gaza-intensify-military-operation-hamas-rcna204770)[](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/04/02/israel-hamas-war-rafah-military-expansion-operation/)[](https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/apr/02/israel-gaza-war-idf-hamas-live-updates-latest-news)Israel aims to prevent Hamas from accessing humanitarian aid, claiming it strengthens the group’s rule. However, aid agencies like UNRWA deny these claims, warning of critical shortages. The forced displacement of hundreds of thousands to southern Gaza, particularly Rafah, has drawn criticism from Egypt and Saudi Arabia for violating ceasefire agreements.
[](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/04/02/israel-hamas-war-rafah-military-expansion-operation/)[](https://abcnews.go.com/International/israel-orders-expansion-ground-operation-gaza-seizure-territory/story?id=120026507)Context of the Conflict
The conflict intensified after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages. Israel’s subsequent offensive has caused massive destruction, with a fragile ceasefire collapsing on March 18, 2025. Netanyahu’s goal of destroying Hamas and freeing hostages remains unachieved, prompting this escalation. Critics, including the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, argue that prioritizing land seizure over hostage release endangers captives.
[](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy8qnxwv08do)[](https://www.euronews.com/2025/04/02/idf-military-operation-in-gaza-expanding-to-seize-large-areas-defence-minister-says)International concern is growing, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemning the reported deaths of over 1,000 Palestinians since the truce collapsed and criticizing Israel’s inflammatory rhetoric on land seizure.
[](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-expands-military-operation-gaza-defence-minister-says-2025-04-02/)A Taste of Israel: Shakshuka Recipe
Amid this complex conflict, Israel’s vibrant culinary scene offers a moment of cultural connection. Shakshuka, a dish of poached eggs in a spicy tomato sauce, is a staple of Israeli breakfasts. Here’s a recipe to enjoy this flavorful dish at home.
Classic Shakshuka Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4–6 large eggs
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and bell pepper until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, cumin, and paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
- Make small wells in the sauce and crack eggs into them. Cover and cook for 5–8 minutes until eggs are set but yolks are runny.
- Garnish with parsley or cilantro and feta, if using. Serve with crusty bread or pita.
Conclusion
Israel’s plan to seize and hold Gaza indefinitely marks a dangerous escalation, threatening further loss of life and deepening the humanitarian crisis. As the international community urges restraint, the path to peace remains uncertain. Meanwhile, preparing Shakshuka offers a taste of Israel’s rich culture. Stay informed on this evolving crisis.