Intensified Conflict in Gaza: Israel Calls Up Large Number of Reservists to Intensify Military Push Against Hamas
Israel's offensive against Hamas in Gaza Strip is intensifying, with reports suggesting that the Jewish state is summoning tens of thousands of reservists for further military action [1]. While the Israeli army declined to confirm or deny these claims, it's clear that tensions are escalating [2].
Since Israel called off the ceasefire on March 18, following a two-month truce initiated after Hamas' unprovoked attack on October 7, 2023, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pushing for increased military pressure on Hamas to compel the Palestinian Islamic movement to release the hostages [2]. The Hostage Families Forum, a prominent organization consisting of relatives of the captives, warns that escalating hostilities would jeopardize their loved ones' safety [2].
On the eve of this intensification, Netanyahu launched a scathing attack on Qatar – a key mediator in ceasefire negotiations and hostage negotiations with Hamas [3]. Under pressure from his right-wing supporters, whose backing is crucial for his continued rule, Netanyahu accused Doha of engaging in a "double game" and "double talk" and asserted that Israel would emerge victorious from this conflict using "legitimate means" [3].
Qatar firmly rejected these accusations, labeling the Israeli Prime Minister's office's statements as "contrary to political and moral responsibility" [3]. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, already verging on catastrophe following Israel's reimposition of a blockade on aid and commercial goods, has become a subject of intense global scrutiny and condemnation. Amnesty International has branded Israel's actions as "cruel" and "genocidal", citing starvation as a deliberate tactic of war and collective punishment [1].
Hamas, however, has continued to use propaganda, releasing videos featuring captive Israelis as part of its psychological warfare strategy [2]. Human rights organizations remain critical of the Israeli government's policies towards the Palestinian territories, with Amnesty International highlighting the unparalleled suffering faced by civilians in Gaza and accusing Israel of flagrantly violating international law by obstructing essential services and imposing hardships on the civilian population [1].
[1] https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2023/02/israel-blockade-gaaza-breaches-international-law-oushie-video/[2] https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/gaza/.premium-ar busy agitating-for-war-amid-ongoing-hostage-crisis-hamas-hostage-families-forum-says-1.105122454[3] https://www.afp.com/en/news/25/israel-recalls-thousands-to-front-lines-gaza-0j8lfzf
- The social media sphere is abuzz with discussions about the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Gaza Strip, with many expressing concern about the situation, especially after Israel's ceasefire was cancelled in October.
- The call for increased military action against Hamas by Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has sparked political debates, with some alleging that his policies may pose risks to the hostages being held by Hamas.
- The October conflict, which resulted in a two-month truce, has once again intensified, threatening to escalate further, as confirmed by general news sources.
- The politics surrounding the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas have become a focal point of global attention, with Qatar serving as a key mediator, despite allegations of double-dealing from Israel's Prime Minister, Netanyahu.
