Intensified casualties and displacement continue in Gaza, as Israel allegedly considers a military takeover
Israel has initiated preliminary military operations to invade and occupy Gaza City, calling up to 60,000 reservists as part of a plan for a full takeover of the Gaza Strip [1][3]. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has approved this military plan, codenamed "Gideon's Chariots II," signaling Israel's intent to extend direct control over Gaza [1].
The United Nations has warned that the conflict-ridden area, home to 2 million people, is on the brink of famine [4]. Despite this, the IDF leadership opposes the plan, but Netanyahu is said to back it [4].
The Israeli Security Cabinet is expected to decide on a plan to seize the entire Gaza Strip on Thursday [5]. The proposed plan requires the military to advance into refugee neighborhoods in the central part of the coastal strip and Gaza City [4]. Deadly incidents continue to occur near aid distribution centers in Gaza, with at least 20 people killed on Wednesday while trying to get food [5].
The IDF has issued evacuation orders for residential areas in the southern part of Gaza City and parts of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip [5][6]. However, the order does not apply to the Nasser Hospital in the city. The truck reportedly overturned due to being forced onto an unsafe route by the Israeli army [5].
Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi has reportedly warned of a "trap" and deadly risks for hostages and soldiers [7]. Even in the humanitarian zone of al-Mawasi, there have been repeated deadly attacks [7]. Many people have been forced to flee multiple times due to the escalating violence.
International opposition to Israel's plan is strong. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has condemned the idea of a complete military takeover, asserting that it would violate international law and worsen humanitarian suffering in Gaza [2]. He called for the Israeli government to cease any plans for occupation and to allow unhindered humanitarian aid, emphasizing the urgent need to end the war.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has expressed his concerns about the government's plans. He described the complete seizure of control of the Gaza Strip as a "very bad idea" and warned about the likely number of casualties and the potential costs of a full occupation [8].
The Gaza conflict, which began almost 22 months ago, has forced nearly the entire population of the Gaza Strip to become internally displaced [9]. As the situation continues to escalate, the international community is urging Israel to reconsider its military actions and to prioritize diplomatic solutions to prevent further crisis.
References: 1. Haaretz 2. UN Human Rights 3. The Times of Israel 4. Al Jazeera 5. Reuters 6. CNN 7. BBC News 8. CBS News 9. The New York Times
- The United Nations, voicing concerns, asserts that the impending takeover of Gaza Strip, amidst war-and-conflicts, could push the area, housing 2 million people, into a state of famine.
- Amidst international opposition, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid warns that the proposed crime-and-justice action of seizing complete control over Gaza Strip could lead to an excessive number of casualties.
- As the general-news of Israeli military operations in Gaza continues, deadly car-accidents have been reported due to unsafe routes forced by the Israeli army, revealing the heightened risks in the tense climate of political turmoil.
