Israel intends to seize control of Gaza, with Netanyahu's declaration aiming to eradicate Hamas altogether.
Israel's proposed takeover of the Gaza Strip and the subsequent transfer of administration to friendly Arab forces has sparked a wave of international concern and condemnation.
The plan, reportedly endorsed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Security Cabinet, involves the Israeli military taking operational control over Gaza City, eventually expanding control over the whole Gaza Strip, and then handing administration to allied Arab entities rather than Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
However, this strategy raises significant concerns, as it could potentially lead to the displacement of up to a million Palestinians from Gaza City into designated "humanitarian zones." This displacement raises major humanitarian, legal, and military concerns, as well as fears of forcible population transfer or ethnic cleansing.
The Israeli military itself reportedly harbors serious reservations about this course, warning it risks heavy casualties for both Israeli soldiers and Gaza civilians, and could inadvertently strengthen Hamas's position by fueling further resistance and international backlash.
The United Nations Security Council and senior UN officials have publicly warned that Israel's aim to take over Gaza risks igniting "another horrific chapter" in the conflict, expanding an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Many in the international community, including humanitarian groups and rights organizations, regard potential population displacement and administrative changes as escalating the conflict dangerously and violating principles of international humanitarian and refugee law.
Neighboring states such as Egypt strongly oppose any plan involving the transfer or displacement of Palestinians, fearing massive refugee influxes destabilizing their own borders and societies. The United States government has been cautious in its public commentary but continues to monitor the situation, reflecting concern over press access restrictions and humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Domestically within Israel, significant dissent exists from former security officials and family groups of hostages, who fear the military escalation would endanger hostages and lead to a protracted, bloody quagmire.
In the midst of this, another two Palestinians were killed on roads leading to sites run by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). The U.S. and Israel helped set up the GHF system as an alternative to the U.N.-run aid delivery system, but the U.N. accuses GHF of forcing Palestinians to risk their lives to get food and advancing Israel's plans for further mass displacement.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) treated 1,380 people injured near GHF sites between June 7 and July 20, including 28 people who were dead upon arrival. At least 147 of the injured treated by MSF had suffered gunshot wounds, including at least 41 children.
The Israeli military chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, warned against occupying Gaza, stating it would endanger the hostages and put further strain on the military. The report by MSF accuses the GHF system of creating a "reckless negligence or a deliberately designed death trap."
As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, it is clear that the proposed plan by Israel has far-reaching implications and has provoked widespread international concern and condemnation.
Sources:
- Haaretz
- Reuters
- The New York Times
- Al Jazeera
- The Guardian
- The proposed Israeli takeover of Gaza Strip, involving administration transfer to friendly Arab forces, has sparked concerns in the realm of both general news and political discussion, as it potentially violates international laws and humanitarian principles.
- Amidst war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice news outlets have also expressed their concerns over reports of civilian casualties near Israeli-backed humanitarian foundation sites in Gaza, suggesting potential exploitation and endangerment of the Palestinian population.
