Israel plans new Gaza offensive in March, but Trump's approval is reportedly needed
Photo: Israel plans new offensive in Gaza in March, but needs Trump's consent (Getty Images)
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have developed plans to resume intensive military operations in the Gaza Strip in March, including an offensive on Gaza City aimed at advancing the demarcation line toward the western part of the enclave, according to The Times of Israel.
An Arab diplomat told the outlet that the operation cannot take place without US support, as Washington is still trying to uphold the fragile ceasefire reached in October 2025.
Although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed during a meeting with US President Donald Trump last month to cooperate on efforts to advance the ceasefire, he does not believe these efforts will succeed in disarming Hamas. As a result, he tasked the IDF with preparing a contingency plan, the source added.
On the first day of the ceasefire, October 10, Israeli forces withdrew to the "yellow line," establishing control over approximately 53% of the Gaza Strip. The planned March operation would allow Israel to increase that percentage, according to an Israeli official and the Arab diplomat.
Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas
On October 8, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and the Hamas group had agreed, following negotiations in Egypt, to implement the first stage of his proposed peace plan.
On October 13, in Sharm El-Sheikh, leaders from the United States, Egypt, and Turkey signed an agreement to end hostilities in Gaza. They acted as mediators in the talks between Israel and Hamas.
On December 20, the US, together with representatives from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, met in Miami to review the implementation of the first stage of the ceasefire in Gaza and discuss preparations for the second stage.
The announcement of the second stage, initially planned for December 25, did not take place.
