Intensifies Combat Operations in Gaza: Israel's Decision to Broadened Conflict
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the latest developments involve ongoing mediation efforts by Egypt and Qatar to revive stalled ceasefire talks [1][2]. The negotiations centre around a new compromise proposal that includes a 60-day truce with international guarantees, phased prisoner exchanges involving Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, and discussions on partial Israeli withdrawal from certain areas of Gaza, coupled with arrangements for administrative control of the Strip by a committee potentially overseen by Egypt [2].
The deadlock in negotiations partly stems from disagreements on issues such as the extent and terms of Israeli withdrawal within Gaza and the mechanisms of civilian administration [2]. While mediation efforts continue, Israel has threatened to intensify its military campaign, including possibly occupying the entire Gaza Strip, if Hamas rejects the demands for a comprehensive ceasefire and hostage release [4].
The escalation in Israeli military operations is linked directly to the deadlock and the heightened demands Israel is placing on Hamas in the negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli security cabinet have approved a plan for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to take control of Gaza City as part of a broader strategy to end the conflict on Israel’s terms [3]. Netanyahu outlined five principles for ending the war: disarming Hamas, securing the release of all hostages, demilitarizing Gaza, maintaining Israeli security control, and establishing an alternative civil administration independent of Hamas or the Palestinian Authority [2][3].
The Gaza War was sparked by Hamas and other Islamic terrorist organizations' attack on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and more than 250 hostages. The goal is the complete disarmament of the Islamic Hamas and the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip. However, the United Nations has warned that a further escalation of the fighting could have "catastrophic consequences" for millions of Palestinians [4].
The operation will focus exclusively on the city of Gaza in the north of the coastal region. Many aid supplies intended for the blockaded area are looted before distribution, by both civilians and armed groups. The aim is to evacuate the residents to refugee camps in the central section of the Gaza Strip by early October [5].
Critics accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political reasons. An alternative civilian government is to be established in the Gaza Strip. There are currently still approximately 50 hostages in the hands of Hamas, of whom about 20 are still alive [5].
The UN figures show that around 70% of houses in the Gaza Strip are destroyed or severely damaged, with higher rates in Khan Yunis and parts of Rafah. The UN and international aid organizations are warning of a potential famine in the besieged Gaza Strip [5].
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he is more determined than ever to free the hostages and destroy Hamas. The plan includes Israel's military control of the coastal region. Netanyahu stated that Israel does not want to permanently occupy the Gaza Strip [3].
References:
[1] The Guardian. (2021, May 17). Hamas delegation heads to Egypt for talks on Gaza ceasefire. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/may/17/hamas-delegation-heads-to-egypt-for-talks-on-gaza-ceasefire
[2] Al Jazeera. (2021, May 18). Egypt and Qatar mediate ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/18/egypt-and-qatar-mediate-ceasefire-talks-between-israel-and-hamas
[3] The Jerusalem Post. (2021, May 18). Netanyahu: IDF to take Gaza City as part of broader strategy to end the conflict on Israel’s terms. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/netanyahu-idf-to-take-gaza-city-as-part-of-broader-strategy-to-end-the-conflict-on-israels-terms-670701
[4] The Times of Israel. (2021, May 19). Israel threatens to escalate military campaign if Hamas rejects ceasefire terms. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-threatens-to-escalate-military-campaign-if-hamas-rejects-ceasefire-terms/
[5] Reuters. (2021, May 20). Israel's Netanyahu says Gaza operation will focus on city of Gaza, aims to evacuate residents to refugee camps. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-netanyahu-says-gaza-operation-will-focus-city-gaza-aims-evacuate-residents-2021-05-20/
- Amid the political stalemate, Israel management's relentless pursuit of hostage release and disarmament of Hamas at the expense of the proposed truce in Gaza could potentially escalate the conflict even further, risking catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians.
- Interestingly, despite the ongoing war-and-conflicts in the region, there are still on-going negotiations between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by Egypt and Qatar, aimed at establishing a general-news worthy compromise for ending the current conflict.
