Global Updates |
The Israeli government has approved a plan to take military control of Gaza City, marking an escalation in the ongoing war with Hamas. This move aims to place Gaza City under siege by October 7, 2025, and forcibly evacuate approximately one million residents to designated "humanitarian zones."
The proposed plan, however, has faced strong opposition within Israel's military and international community. Critics warn that it could lead to high military and civilian casualties, potentially play into Hamas's strategic objectives, and violate international law. The United Nations' top human rights official has condemned the plan, citing the risk of massive forced displacement and further suffering.
The U.N. Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting on Israel's plans for Sunday at 10 a.m. EDT, reflecting the international community's growing concern. The United Nations and independent experts view Gaza's Health Ministry's figures as the most reliable estimate of casualties, with over 61,000 Palestinians killed during the conflict.
The war, which started in October 2023, has displaced most of Gaza's population, destroyed vast areas, and pushed the territory toward famine. Hamas-led fighters triggered the war by storming into Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251. As of now, 50 hostages remain inside Gaza, with Israel believing around 20 of them to be alive.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has reinforced his commitment to the plan despite objections, citing the need to establish new aid distribution points and regain control of the region. Retired Brigadier General Amir Avivi estimated it would take less than three months to mobilize some 30,000 troops, evacuate Palestinian civilians, and take over Gaza City.
Meanwhile, ceasefire efforts are ongoing, backed by major Arab Gulf monarchies. Mediators from Egypt and Qatar are preparing a new framework for the release of all hostages held by Hamas in one go, in return for an end to the war in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces. A senior Hamas official has yet to receive details on these efforts.
The role of the Western-backed Palestinian Authority in the new administration, should the plan be executed, remains unclear. The framework calls for Hamas to relinquish power in Gaza and for a Palestinian-Arab committee to run Gaza and oversee reconstruction efforts until the establishment of a new Palestinian administration.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with the U.S. administration reportedly briefed on the broad lines of the framework. The exact military feasibility and humanitarian consequences remain contentious and subject to ongoing international scrutiny.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, at least six Palestinians were shot dead and more than 140 were wounded at the Israeli-run Zikim Crossing in northern Gaza on Friday. The new ceasefire efforts offer a glimmer of hope, but the path to peace remains fraught with challenges.
- The Israeli government's plan to take military control of Gaza City and forcibly evacuate one million residents is facing opposition from both Israel's military and the international community, who warn that it could violate international law, lead to high casualties, and play into Hamas's strategic objectives.
- Doctors and medical professionals within Gaza, referred to as the Gaza Health Ministry, are estimating over 61,000 Palestinians have been killed during the conflict, emphasizing the dire health situation in the region.
- The United Nations Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss Israel's plans, reflecting the international community's growing concern about the potential military and humanitarian consequences of the proposed evacuation.
- Despite ongoing ceasefire efforts backed by major Arab Gulf monarchies, at least six Palestinians were shot dead and more than 140 were wounded at the Israeli-run Zikim Crossing in northern Gaza, demonstrating the ongoing violence and challenges in achieving a lasting peace.
