Conflict intensifies as Israel opts to broaden military operations in Gaza
In a significant development, Israel's Security Cabinet has given the green light to Prime Minister Netanyahu's plan for a major military operation to take control of Gaza City [1][2]. The aim is to defeat Hamas, disarm the militant group, and establish an alternative civilian administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority (PA).
The operation, set to displace around 800,000 civilians from Gaza City by 7 October 2025, will see the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) surrounding the city for approximately three months, followed by two more months to clear central Gaza camps and eliminate remaining Palestinian armed groups [1][2].
Key components of the proposed operation include:
- Disarmament of Hamas and ending their governance in Gaza.
- Establishment of a new civilian government that excludes Hamas and the PA.
- Imposition of Israeli security control over the entire Gaza Strip.
- The IDF is fully mobilized and ready for expanded operations.
- Humanitarian assistance will be provided outside active combat zones [1][2].
However, concerns have been raised by UN officials and international representatives about the potential impacts of this operation. These include the risk of massive civilian displacement and suffering, as 800,000 Palestinians may be forced out, many of whom were already displaced previously [1][2]. There's also the danger of another escalation igniting wider regional instability.
Moreover, there are concerns about possible violations of international humanitarian law and endangerment of hostages’ lives, with calls for their unconditional release [2][3]. International criticism warns that expanded military offensives could lead to further unnecessary suffering and destabilization, and urges Israel to reverse or reconsider the military actions [3].
Calls for a return to diplomacy and a two-state solution as the only sustainable resolution to the conflict have also been made [2][3]. Months of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a new ceasefire and hostage release have been unsuccessful.
References:
[1] The Times of Israel. (2022). Israel approves plan to take control of Gaza City. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-approves-plan-to-take-control-of-gaza-city/
[2] Al Jazeera. (2022). Israel approves plan to take control of Gaza City. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/2/israel-approves-plan-to-take-control-of-gaza-city
[3] Middle East Eye. (2022). Israel's Gaza plan faces international criticism and calls for a return to diplomacy. Retrieved from https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israels-gaza-plan-faces-international-criticism-calls-return-diplomacy
The military operation, as approved by Israel's Security Cabinet, aimed at taking control of Gaza City, has sparked widespread concerns in the international community, with debates centered around politics, war-and-conflicts, and general news. UN officials, international representatives, and humanitarian organizations are worried about potential violations of international humanitarian law, massive civilian displacement, and the risk of another escalation, leading to regional instability. Calls for diplomacy and a two-state solution have intensified as a sustainable resolution to the conflict, and criticism against the proposed actions is mounting.
