Anticipates Protracted Conflict in Gaza City, According to Israeli Military
The Israeli army has launched a ground offensive in the city of Gaza, with thousands of soldiers involved, according to an army spokesman. The operation, which began in the early hours of Tuesday, could last for many months, Defrin stated.
The offensive comes as the Israeli security cabinet approved the takeover of the city of Gaza against the military leadership's resistance in August. The move was made in response to ongoing hostilities with the Islamic Palestinian organization Hamas.
The Israeli army estimates that up to 3,000 combat-ready Hamas members are in the coastal city. In an attempt to facilitate the departure of the city's residents, an evacuation route southward has been temporarily opened on the X platform, valid for 48 hours. However, many Palestinians cannot afford to flee due to high costs. The rent cost for a car to transport belongings has reportedly jumped to 5,000 shekels - nearly 1,300 euros.
The situation in Gaza has led to international concern, with the European Union deeply divided in its handling of the Jewish state. The EU Commission has presented concrete proposals for sanctions against Israel, including the suspension of trade concessions and sanctions on extremist ministers of the Israeli government and violent settlers. However, the EU is divided, with countries like Germany rejecting these sanctions.
The families of the hostages accuse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of sacrificing their relatives 'for political reasons.' In response, Netanyahu has called for the army to find ways to simplify people's escape from the city of Gaza, which has been declared a combat zone.
Meanwhile, the EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas has called on the German government to support the plans for trade sanctions or propose alternative leverage. Kallas stated that if the situation is unsustainable and a change of course from the Israeli government is desired, then it's necessary to clarify what can be done.
The UN-appointed commission of human rights lawyers has concluded that Israel's conduct of the war against Hamas aims to destroy the Palestinians. The report was condemned by Israel as scandalous. Despite this, Netanyahu has threatened Hamas not to harm the hostages taken from his country.
Hamas has reportedly taken several of the abducted from underground tunnels and brought them to tents and houses in the city of Gaza. As of now, there are still 48 hostages in the Gaza Strip, of whom 20 are reportedly still alive according to Israeli information.
Aid organizations regularly complain about the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, stating that they have met families who eat animal feed to survive and boil leaves to feed their children. The EU Commission will present further concrete proposals for sanctions against Israel today in response to its actions in Gaza.
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