IDF chief approves new Gaza attack plan, spokesperson says

LONDON -- Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir on Wednesday approved "the main framework for the IDF's operational plan in the Gaza Strip," according to an IDF spokesperson. "As part of the discussion, IDF operations to date were presented, including an attack in the Zeitoun area that began yesterday," the spokesperson said in a statement. "The central concept for the plan for the next stages in the Gaza Strip was presented and approved, in accordance with the directive of the political echelon," the spokesperson added. Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his security cabinet approved plans for the IDF to seize and occupy Gaza City -- the strip's largest urban area -- as part of an expanded military operation to "demilitarize" the strip and remove