A group of American security contractors, ex-military officers and humanitarian aid officials is proposing to take over the distribution of food and other supplies in Gaza based on plans similar to on

Israel plans to set up distribution centers in southern Gaza and move a large number of Palestinians there, as it tries to balance international outrage over a blockade of aid to the enclave with continued pressure on Hamas.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel approved plans Monday to capture the entire Gaza Strip and to stay in the Palestinian territory for an unspecified amount of time, two Israeli officials said, a move that, if implemented, would vastly expand Israel’s operations there and likely draw fierce international opposition.