Conflict escalates in Gaza: Israel increases military action
Israel is currently engaged in a military operation in the Gaza Strip, with plans to take control of Gaza City starting in October 2025. The stated goal is the defeat of Hamas, as ordered by the Israeli government, with the aim of dismantling the group's infrastructure and influence in the region.
However, this military action is taking place alongside ongoing international negotiations aimed at securing a temporary ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. These talks, involving key figures such as former U.S. President Donald Trump and envoys, focus on a two-month ceasefire during which about 10 living and 15 deceased hostages would be released in exchange for Palestinian detainees held in Israel.
The negotiations also seek to include arrangements for humanitarian aid delivery, continued dialogue for a long-term ceasefire, and potential end-of-war agreements. However, major sticking points remain, such as Israel repositioning forces inside Gaza and Hamas requiring commitments to a permanent cessation of hostilities.
Critics, including human rights groups and some international actors, condemn the Israeli plan to expand operations in Gaza City, warning that it will cause massive civilian suffering and exacerbate humanitarian crises. They call for an immediate ceasefire and diplomacy instead.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that he is more determined than ever to free the hostages, dismantle Hamas, and ensure that the Gaza Strip under Hamas rule will never again pose a threat to Israel. There are currently approximately 50 hostages in the hands of Hamas, with about 20 believed to still be alive.
Israeli politicians have hinted at a strategy of evacuating residents to refugee camps in the central section of the Gaza Strip by early October. However, concerns have been raised about the original plan to completely conquer the Gaza Strip due to potential risks to the hostages.
The military operation, as decided upon, will focus exclusively on the city of Gaza in the north of the coastal region. Around 70% of houses in the Gaza Strip are destroyed or severely damaged, with the situation being even worse in Khan Yunis and parts of Rafah, where it is 80-90%.
The decision includes five principles to end the war in the Gaza Strip: Israel's military control of the coastal region, complete disarmament of Islamic Hamas, demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, establishment of an alternative civilian government, and Israel's withdrawal from the region.
The Gaza War was triggered by an attack on Israel by Hamas and other Islamic terrorist organizations on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages. The UN and international aid organizations are warning of a potential famine in the Gaza Strip due to the ongoing conflict and destruction of infrastructure.
UN diplomat Miroslav Jenca has warned that further escalation of the fighting could have "catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians." Many aid supplies intended for the Gaza Strip are being looted before distribution by civilians and armed groups.
Israeli military leadership has expressed concerns about the original plan to completely conquer the Gaza Strip due to potential risks to the hostages. There is speculation that the announcement of an expansion of the fighting could be a negotiation tactic to put pressure on Hamas in ceasefire negotiations.
The aim is to evacuate the residents to refugee camps in the central section of the Gaza Strip by early October. Israeli politicians have hinted at such a strategy, and the mediating states of Qatar and Egypt are reportedly putting pressure on Hamas to return to the negotiating table.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that he wants to hand the Gaza Strip over to "Arab forces" that do not call for the destruction of Israel. However, the details of this proposal are yet to be clarified, and it remains to be seen how it will impact the ongoing conflict and negotiations.
- The ongoing military operation in Gaza Strip by Israel, aiming to take control of Gaza City in October 2025, is happening concurrently with international negotiations for a temporary ceasefire and hostage release, which also involve discussions about humanitarian aid delivery, long-term ceasefire arrangements, and end-of-war agreements.
- Critics, including human rights groups and international actors, are urging for an immediate ceasefire during the Israeli military operation in Gaza, expressing concerns that the proposed expansion to Gaza City will lead to massive civilian suffering and worsen humanitarian crises in the region.
