Intensifying Losses and Evacuation in Gaza as Israel Contemplates Seizure
The Israeli Security Cabinet is set to meet on Thursday to discuss a controversial plan that could see the takeover of Gaza City, aiming to establish operational control over Gaza. This move, which involves a siege and evacuation of civilians to new “humanitarian zones,” is viewed as a step toward full Israeli control of Gaza [1][2].
However, the plan has faced significant opposition within Israel, especially from the military, which warns that such an operation would lead to heavy casualties on both Israeli soldiers and Gaza civilians. Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi has reportedly warned of a "trap" and deadly risks for hostages and soldiers if the plan is implemented [1].
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has described the government's plans to seize control of the Gaza Strip as a "very bad idea" [2]. Domestic opposition also comes from hostage families concerned that expanded military activity could endanger hostages, and public opinion polls suggest many Israelis favour a resolution to the conflict rather than its prolongation [2].
International voices, including from the UN and the UK Prime Minister, have also warned that escalating military operations in Gaza risks catastrophic humanitarian consequences and more bloodshed [2]. Critics accuse Prime Minister Netanyahu of potentially using the conflict to maintain his political coalition, further complicating the situation [2].
The conflict-ridden area, home to 2 million people, is on the brink of famine, according to the United Nations [3]. Tragically, at least 20 people were killed in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday while trying to get food [4]. Deadly incidents continue to occur near aid distribution centers in Gaza, with the death toll from such incidents reaching 87 within the last 24 hours, in addition to 570 injuries [5].
Under the proposed plan, the military would need to advance into refugee neighborhoods in the central part of the coastal strip and Gaza City. 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 [6]. The Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis is exempt from the evacuation order [7].
The Israeli Defense Forces have also called on residents of the al-Zeitoun neighborhood to immediately move south to the humanitarian zone in al-Mawasi [8]. The truck allegedly overturned due to being forced onto an unsafe route by the Israeli army [9].
The Gaza conflict, which began 22 months ago, has caused nearly the entire population of the Gaza Strip to become internally displaced, with many forced to flee multiple times [10]. The total number of fatalities from the ongoing conflict is 1,655, with 11,800 injuries recorded in hospitals [11].
As the Israeli Security Cabinet prepares to make a decision, concerns over the likely number of casualties and the potential costs of a full occupation remain at the forefront. With the Israeli public expressing little interest in this war and the people of Israel set to pay a heavy price for it, according to Lapid, the situation in Gaza remains precarious and fraught with danger.
- The discussions within the Israeli Security Cabinet regarding a controversial plan to take over Gaza City encompass not only 'war-and-conflicts' but also 'politics', as critics accuse Prime Minister Netanyahu of potentially using the conflict for political gain.
- The proposed Israeli plan to seize control of the Gaza Strip is met with opposition from various sectors, including 'general-news' outlets like the UN and the US Prime Minister, who warn of catastrophic humanitarian consequences and more bloodshed.
- The ongoing situation in Gaza, marked by 'crime-and-justice' incidents such as the deaths of civilians trying to get food and deadly incidents near aid distribution centers, has led to a precarious and dangerous condition, with the Israeli public expressing little interest in the conflict and the people of Israel set to pay a heavy price for it.
