Israel to intensify offensive against Hamas as Gaza faces worsening crisis
Israel readies thousands of reserve troops for potential broadening of Gaza operations
In a move that escalates the ongoing conflict, Israel has announced to mobilize thousands of reserve soldiers to bolster its campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, as the war-torn region reels from low food and medication supply. The call-up suggests a shift in tactics, aiming to exert more pressure on Hamas to comply with Israel's terms for a ceasefire.
With the Israeli security Cabinet set to meet on Sunday to sign off on broader operations, fears escalate in Gaza, already grappling with displacement, rubble-laden homes, and persistent hunger. Achieving a decisive victory over Hamas and rescuing those held hostage has been Israel's primary objective, although peace talks remain complex.
The conflict began in October 2023, following a surprise Hamas attack that caused massive casualties. While Israel made significant headway by killing many Hamas leaders, the Palestinian militants have continued their insurgency, recruiting more fighters and allegedly holding up to 24 living hostages and the remains of many others.
Currently, Israel's conditions for a ceasefire involve hostage release and an agreement that ensures the war's end and Israel's withdrawal from Gaza. In contrast, Hamas demands a full, five-year ceasefire, the lifting of restrictions, resumption of aid, and the complete withdrawal of IDF forces from Gaza. International mediators, including the US, are actively involved, aiming to broker a truce that would secure the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
However, the talks have stalled due to Israel's commitment to military victory over Hamas. Some Israeli officials, such as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasize the need for total victory instead of focusing solely on hostage release. This stance raises concerns among the hostages' families, who fear the escalating war could claim more lives.
As tensions rise, dissent against the government's war conduct has simmered within Israel's reservists. Last month, a group of air force reservists and retired officers penned a public letter advocating a ceasefire agreement to facilitate hostage release, even if it means temporarily halting the war in Gaza.
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Overall:
Although there's doubt as to whether Hamas will accept Israel's terms for a ceasefire, recent operations intensify. The strategic aim is to achieve a ceasefire in time for US President Donald Trump's Middle East trip, with an emphasis on defeating Hamas rather than solely focusing on hostage return. Hamas has proposed a comprehensive five-year ceasefire agreement, requiring IDF's withdrawal, lifting of restrictions, and the resumption of aid. In the ongoing negotiations, the U.S. plays a significant role, pressuring both sides to reach agreement. Meanwhile, the U.S. and Israel are close to agreeing on resuming humanitarian aid to Gaza.
- Despite uncertainty over Hamas's agreement to Israel's ceasefire terms, Israel is preparing to intensify its operations.
- The aim is to achieve a ceasefire before US President Donald Trump's Middle East trip, with the emphasis on defeating Hamas rather than solely focusing on hostage recovery.
- In contrast to Israel's terms, Hamas proposes a comprehensive five-year ceasefire agreement that includes IDF withdrawal, lifting of restrictions, and aid resumption.
- As the negotiations progress, the US plays a significant role, aiming to broker a truce that could lead to the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.
