Gaza faces deadly new phase as Israel prepares full takeover
Gaza braces for full occupation amid warnings of mass deaths (Illustrative photo: Getty Images)
Israel's push to expand its Gaza offensive is fueling fears of mass civilian casualties and worsening famine, reports NBC News.
Aid blocked, children starve as Gaza crisis spirals
Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to seize full control of Gaza, intensifying a military campaign that has already killed over 52,000 people, according to the local Health Ministry.
The decision comes amid a three-month blockade on humanitarian aid, leaving Gaza's population in extreme conditions.
One of the most harrowing cases is that of baby Yussuf Al-Najjar, born prematurely and now suffering from acute malnutrition.
"His condition is deteriorating," said his mother, Nagia Al-Najjar, speaking from the intensive care unit at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.
Dr. Ahmed al-Farrah, head of pediatrics at the hospital, confirmed that more than 50 children have died from starvation since the war began.
UNICEF has recorded at least 9,000 cases of acute child malnutrition. "Isn't it a sin for a child to die like this?" Yussuf's mother asked, her voice breaking with grief.
UN warns of mass deaths as Israel escalates offensive
The United Nations has condemned the move, warning that the expanded military operation will "inevitably lead to countless more civilians killed and the further destruction of Gaza," according to spokesperson Farhan Haq.
Humanitarian groups also criticized Israel's proposal to distribute aid through military-controlled hubs once the blockade is lifted, saying it undermines neutral aid delivery.
Inside Gaza, Palestinians expressed horror at the new offensive.
"We were hoping Israel would end the war — not expand it and force us out," said street vendor Walid Abu Muhsin.
Meanwhile, families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza voiced concern that a larger offensive would jeopardize their loved ones' lives.
Even as Netanyahu's government moves forward, internal dissent is growing. Retired colonel Eran Duvdevani said that many reservists are refusing to return, viewing the war as politically driven.
"Nothing will happen if Trump will not press him," Duvdevani told NBC News, urging US intervention as a last hope for de-escalation.
With Trump scheduled to visit the region next week, both Gaza and Israel await his response — as the window for peace narrows by the day.
Israel sees the expanded ground operation as a strategic opportunity to pressure Hamas into surrender and potentially advance ceasefire talks.
Thousands of Israeli reservists have already received draft notices, and a new aid distribution mechanism involving private companies under military control is also under discussion.
