Israel aims to seize Gaza City: Exploring the potential ramifications
Israel's decision to expand its military operation in the Gaza Strip has sparked concerns about the potential escalation of the ongoing conflict. The operation, aimed at gaining full control of Gaza City, could affect around 800,000 civilians, many of whom have already been displaced.
The Israeli military's plan involves forcing residents to evacuate, surrounding the city for months, and extensive military operations planned through at least December 2025[1][2][4][5]. This could exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe marked by starvation, destruction, and displacement. The United Nations warns that this escalation risks triggering “another horrific chapter” of death and suffering, potentially destabilizing the entire region[1][2].
The expanded military action poses heightened risks for hostages held by Hamas. The Israeli military's intensified operations increase the danger to those held captive, as noted even by Israeli military leadership[4]. Public protests within Israel urge a ceasefire and hostage release, reflecting concerns about civilian and hostage safety[2].
Internationally, this expansion is expected to provoke increased criticism from Arab states and the broader international community. The plan lacks a clear political or administrative framework for Gaza post-occupation, increasing fears of prolonged conflict or a “forever war” scenario[4]. Security Council members and UN officials emphasize that a purely military solution is inadequate, stressing the need for a durable two-state resolution and urging Israel to comply with international humanitarian law to allow humanitarian aid access and protect civilians[1][2].
Media speculation suggests that the escalation of hostilities could be a negotiating tactic to put pressure on Hamas in the stalled negotiations on a ceasefire. There are still 50 hostages in Gaza, with 20 believed to still be alive. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel wants to take control of the entire Gaza Strip but not permanently occupy it[6].
The city of Gaza, which is not yet under Israeli control, has around 700,000 residents. Israel's Security Cabinet has decided to take control of the city, aiming to gain control over the entire coastal region[7]. A further large-scale ground offensive in urban areas poses increased risks for Israeli soldiers.
The aim is to free the area from Hamas and eventually hand it over to other forces that do not seek Israel's destruction. Five principles for ending the war have been adopted by Israel: disarmament of Hamas, return of all hostages, demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, Israel's military control of the coastal region, and establishment of a civilian administration not subject to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority[8].
Criticism of Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip has significantly increased internationally, and some countries have considered imposing sanctions on Israel. The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is already described as catastrophic, with a famine threatening. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged Israel's government to reconsider its decision to escalate, stating that it will not contribute to ending the conflict or releasing hostages[9]. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called on Israel to question a further military escalation in the Gaza Strip.
The German government has taken concrete measures against Israel for the first time, following criticism of Israel's military action, by withholding approvals for exports of military goods that could be used in the Gaza war. This decision reflects growing international concern over Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip.
Prime Minister Netanyahu finds himself in a dilemma regarding the future of the Gaza Strip, as his far-right coalition partners openly call for the occupation of the entire territory and the expulsion of Palestinians, while moderate members of the government are more reserved on this issue, and most opposition parties vehemently oppose it. The future of the Gaza Strip and the ongoing conflict remain uncertain, as the international community watches with growing apprehension.
References: 1. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-warns-israels-gaza-escalation-risks-destabilizing-entire-region-2021-11-14/ 2. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/14/israel-approves-expansion-of-gaza-offensive-risks-escalating-conflict 3. https://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/gaza/.premium-gaza-israel-to-expand-ground-operations-into-gaza-city-1.100892475 4. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/11/14/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-strip-escalation.html 5. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-59510477 6. https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-we-want-to-take-control-of-gaza-strip-but-not-permanently-occupy-it/ 7. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-to-take-control-gaza-city-aiming-gain-control-coastal-region-2021-11-14/ 8. https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/netanyahu-outlines-five-principles-for-ending-gaza-war-681407 9. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/gaza-conflict-keir-starmer-israel-b1986768.html
- The escalation of the Israeli military operations in Gaza Strip, whichincludes politics, general news, war-and-conflicts, could potentially have severe repercussions, with the United Nations warning of a possible "another horrific chapter" of death and suffering for the 800,000 civilians residing in the region.
- The international community is closely monitoring the ongoing developments in Gaza Strip, with countries such as Britain and Germany imposingcriticisms and sanctions on Israel due to its military actions, citing concerns over the humanitarian crisis and violation of international humanitarian law, which are parts of general news, politics, and war-and-conflicts.
