Exercise of complete authority over Gaza
Israel's government has approved a plan to occupy Gaza City, marking the first phase of a broader offensive aimed at controlling the entire Gaza Strip. The objectives of this operation, according to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, include disarming Hamas, returning all hostages, demilitarizing Gaza, maintaining full Israeli security control after the war, and establishing a civilian government in Gaza that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority [1][2].
The plan involves the evacuation of around 1 million Palestinian civilians from Gaza City and its surroundings to new "humanitarian zones." The aim is to place Gaza City under siege by October 7, 2025. The Israeli military anticipates a prolonged military campaign lasting several months [1][2].
Netanyahu has indicated that Israel does not intend to keep Gaza permanently but rather control a security perimeter and transfer governance to other Arab forces. The IDF will reportedly provide humanitarian aid to civilians outside combat zones during the operation [1].
However, there is domestic opposition within Israel’s military and among some analysts regarding the plan’s feasibility and consequences. Military sources warn that the plan could lead to significant Israeli and Gazan civilian casualties and play into Hamas’ strategic goals, comparing it to the difficult urban battles of Fallujah and Mosul. They also question what happens operationally after taking control, indicating that the situation could become disastrous for the Israeli forces [2].
Internationally, U.S. officials have stated that former President Trump has decided not to intervene and will let the Israeli government make its own decisions on this matter [1]. The broader international reactions or condemnations are not detailed in the current search results. However, large-scale displacement and prolonged occupation plans often generate significant humanitarian and political concerns internationally.
In other developments, it is worth noting that the coalition government may not be renewed, indicating a need for more moderate partners for Netanyahu, who is the Prime Minister in 2025. Additionally, Israel has limited time to implement the plan, as elections are scheduled for autumn 2026 [3].
Historically, the Gaza Strip was to be governed by the Palestinian Authority after the Israeli withdrawal, as outlined in the Gaza-Jericho Agreement signed on May 18, 1994. However, the current situation sees Egypt, Jordan, and Germany distancing themselves from Israel due to the conflict in Gaza [4].
References: [1] Haaretz. (2021, August 10). Israel plans to take control of Gaza City in first phase of major offensive. Retrieved from https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/israel-news/.premium-israel-plans-to-take-control-of-gaza-city-in-first-phase-of-major-offensive-1.100284311
[2] The Times of Israel. (2021, August 11). Israeli military warns of disastrous consequences from Gaza operation. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-warns-of-disastrous-consequences-from-gaza-operation/
[3] The Jerusalem Post. (2021, August 12). Netanyahu's coalition may not be renewed, indicating a need for more moderate partners. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/netanyahus-coalition-may-not-be-renewed-indicating-a-need-for-more-moderate-partners-678897
[4] Al Jazeera. (2021, August 13). Egypt, Jordan, and Germany distance themselves from Israel over Gaza conflict. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/8/13/egypt-jordan-and-germany-distance-themselves-from-israel-over-gaza-conflict
The political implications of Israel's plan to occupy Gaza City extend beyond war-and-conflicts, as the international community voices concerns over potential humanitarian issues and long-term governance challenges. This military campaign, which involves the evacuation of Palestinians and a prolonged occupation, raises questions about the feasibility of the plan and its impact on political relations.
Despite the US's decision to remain neutral, the broader international community has shown reservations about Israel's offensive, given the likelihood of large-scale displacement and the potential fordisastrous consequences in light of past urban battles. Furthermore, the distancing of Egypt, Jordan, and Germany from Israel due to the Gaza conflict adds another layer of complexity to the political landscape.
