Intensifies Military Action in Gaza: Israel's Decision Unveiled
In a move that has sparked international concern, the Israeli Security Cabinet has approved a plan to take control of Gaza City, one of the last areas not under Israeli military occupation. This decision follows nearly two years of conflict in the Gaza Strip, marked by severe destruction and loss.
The escalation includes plans for a potential takeover of Gaza City, disarmament of Hamas, and the establishment of some form of civilian government. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the operation, stating that entering Gaza City is necessary to end the war and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
However, the Israeli government has faced internal disagreements, with some officials advocating for a full Gaza Strip takeover, while the official stance stops short of labeling the Gaza City operation an occupation.
The humanitarian consequences are projected to be grave. Gaza City has already endured severe destruction, with most of its infrastructure, including hospitals and homes, damaged or destroyed. The healthcare system is overwhelmed, and tens of thousands of Palestinians are displaced, living in makeshift camps with limited access to medical care, food, or sanitation.
The international community largely condemns the escalation. Amnesty International has condemned Israel’s decision, warning of catastrophic consequences for civilians and urging a halt to military operations. The UN Security Council has discussed potential severe humanitarian impacts and the risk of further destabilizing the region, with calls from most members for an immediate ceasefire and hostages' release.
The expansion is viewed by many as a breach of international law, with concerns about undermining prospects for a political resolution, including the two-state solution. Critics accuse Netanyahu of prolonging the war for political reasons to satisfy his coalition partners.
Despite the controversy, Netanyahu remains determined to free the hostages and dismantle Hamas. There are currently approximately 50 hostages held by Hamas, of whom about 20 are believed to be alive. If the war ends according to the approved principles, an alternative civilian government would be established in the Gaza Strip.
The UN and international aid organizations are already warning of a famine in the Gaza Strip, where around two million people live in catastrophic conditions. Many aid shipments do not reach those in need due to looting by civilians and armed groups.
The now-concrete announcement of an expansion of the fighting could be a negotiation tactic to put pressure on Hamas in the ceasefire talks. Months of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a new ceasefire and the release of more hostages have been unsuccessful.
Netanyahu has hinted at using such a strategy in the negotiations, stating that he is more determined than ever to free the hostages and dismantle Hamas. The goal of the military operation is to evacuate residents to refugee camps in the central section of the Gaza Strip by early October.
Sources: [1] Haaretz (2022). Israel approves plan to take control of Gaza City. [online] Available at: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2022-09-20/israel-approves-plan-to-take-control-of-gaza-city/
[2] Al Jazeera (2022). Israel approves ground offensive in Gaza City. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/9/20/israel-approves-ground-offensive-in-gaza-city
[3] BBC News (2022). Gaza conflict: Israel approves ground offensive in Gaza City. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-62736673
[4] Reuters (2022). Israel approves ground offensive in Gaza City, drawing international condemnation. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-approves-ground-offensive-gaza-city-drawing-international-condemnation-2022-09-20/
[5] The Guardian (2022). Israel approves ground offensive in Gaza City, drawing international condemnation. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/sep/20/israel-approves-ground-offensive-in-gaza-city-drawing-international-condemnation
The Israeli Security Cabinet's decision to take control of Gaza City has attracted criticism from the international community, as it marks a significant escalation in the ongoing war-and-conflicts in the Gaza Strip. Politics surrounding the operation have dominated general-news, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justifying the move, while critics accuse him of prolonging the conflict for political reasons.
