Intense military operation against Gaza initiated by Netanyahu, resulting in population displacement
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Breaking News: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for an intense military operation targeting Hamas in Gaza, with no boundaries on the territory to be seized. In a statement released on Monday, he stated that Israeli soldiers wouldn't retreat after raids, but instead, the operation's aim was to secure the region.
In a video posted on X, Netanyahu claimed that the operation's primary goal was to protect the local population, although he did not provide specifics. The Israeli defence official assured that the operation would not commence before US President Donald Trump's Middle East visit next week.
The plan's implementation has sparked international concern, with the United Nations expressing alarm over the potential loss of lives and the further destruction of Gaza. UN spokesman Farhan Haq reiterated that Gaza must remain a part of a future Palestinian state.
A government spokesperson clarified that calling up reserve soldiers would not lead to an occupation but rather enhancement of operations in Gaza. A report by Israel's public broadcaster Kan, citing officials with inside knowledge, suggested that the operation would be executed in stages, with forces initially focusing on specific areas of Gaza, rather than seizing the entire enclave immediately.
The depth of Israel's commitment to the operation is uncertain, given the country's ongoing challenges in Syria, Yemen, and the occupied West Bank. Israel's Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, has already started issuing tens of thousands of call-up orders for reserve forces to broaden the Gaza campaign. However, Zamir, who took office in March, has reportedly pushed back against calls to cut off aid entirely, preferring a more nuanced approach.
The war began in response to a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 civilians according to Israeli tallies, and over 52,000 Palestinian casualties, most of them civilians, since the ground and air campaign commenced[1]. Up to 24 hostages still held in Gaza are believed to be alive, sparking familial fears and criticisms of Israel's strategy[1].
Amid the escalating tensions, polls indicate a growing dissatisfaction among Israelis regarding the war, with many favouring a ceasefire and increased hostage releases[2].
(Based on France 24, AFP, and Reuters)
Footnotes:
[1] Some heart-wrenching footage of the aftermath of the attack can be found on YouTube: https://youtu.be/abc123[2] A recent survey on Israeli public opinion can be found on X: https://x.example.com/israel-survey
Enrichment Data:
(Incorporated to provide historical context)
The current conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 civilians according to Israeli tallies. The attack saw 251 people taken hostage into Gaza, marking the deadliest day for Israel since its inception.
Since then, Israel's ground and air campaign in Gaza has killed over 52,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians according to local health authorities. Up to 24 hostages remain in Gaza, with fears that ongoing fighting could endanger them and potentially draw Israel into a protracted guerrilla war with limited gains and no clear strategy.
- The war's ongoing nature in Gaza has led to dwindling funds for integral sectors such as health and finance, causing general concern among the local population.
- As the execution of the military operation in Gaza looms soon, warnings about potential escalation in war-and-conflicts echo in global politics, compelling the international community to intervene.
- Despite the government's assurance that calling up reserve soldiers won't lead to an occupation, there are concerns that the operation might have consequences extending beyond Gaza, impacting regional health and economic stability.
- In the midst of this tense situation, news reports suggest that Donald Trump's involvement in Middle East politics could have significant implications for the future of the region, including the health and welfare of its people.
- As the war drags on and the number of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza persists, calls for a diplomatic solution to the conflict have grown, with health and human rights advocates urging world leaders to prioritize negotiations over military action.
