Enhanced police operations in Gaza City, reported by Civil Defense
Israel's security cabinet has given the green light to a contentious plan to seize control of Gaza City and neighbouring refugee camps, a move that could displace tens of thousands of Palestinians and potentially escalate tensions in the region. The first phase of this operation, expected to be completed by October 7, 2025, marks the second anniversary of the war in Gaza, although the exact start date remains undecided.
The Israeli military is mobilising 50,000 reservists to bolster forces, nearly doubling the active reservists to 120,000. Humanitarian aid is planned to be provided outside combat zones, but it will not be distributed within Gaza City itself, potentially forcing civilians to flee.
The plan's objectives include demilitarising Gaza, disarming Hamas, exercising predominant security control, and establishing a peaceful non-Israeli civilian administration. However, there is uncertainty and debate over the ultimate objectives—whether to free hostages, destroy Hamas, or establish a long-term occupation that could provoke extended insurgency.
The Israeli military chief, Eyal Zamir, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government have been at odds over military operations in the Gaza Strip for the past two weeks. Tensions have escalated due to disagreements over high-ranking military appointments and the plan to take control of Gaza City. General Zamir was reportedly opposed to this plan, which exercises control over approximately 75% of the Palestinian territory.
The Health Ministry in Gaza, under Hamas' control, estimates the total number of victims of hunger to be 227, including 103 children. The UN has been warning for weeks about the risk of "generalized famine" in the Gaza Strip. In response, COGAT, responsible for the civilian administration of Palestinian territories, conducted a thorough examination of the data and figures from Hamas on deaths due to malnutrition in the Palestinian territory. The agency dependent on the Israeli Defense Ministry also published a report stating that there is no sign of generalized malnutrition in the Gaza Strip.
However, the Civil Defense in Gaza reported an intensification of Israeli bombings on the city of Gaza in recent days. Neighbourhoods such as Zeitoun and Sabra were hit by heavy aerial strikes targeting civilian homes. At least 24 Palestinians were killed in Israeli bombings across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday.
The UN has cautioned about catastrophic impacts for Palestinians and Israeli captives held in Gaza. China has also expressed serious concerns and urged Israel to cease dangerous actions, emphasising Gaza's status as Palestinian territory. A tentative ceasefire proposal brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and supported by the U.S. is under review, which could pause fighting and address humanitarian needs. However, current Israeli military plans to occupy Gaza City proceed concurrently with these diplomatic efforts.
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