Israel reveals intentions to seize control of Gaza metropolis
In a controversial move, the Israeli government has voted to take control of Gaza City, the principal city of the Gaza Strip. The aim of this plan is to disarm Hamas, get back hostages, and establish security control of Gaza. However, the plan has sparked widespread concern and opposition, both domestically and internationally.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the intention is to take over the entirety of Gaza but not keep it. The military takeover will initially limit control to Gaza City, with residents being forced to evacuate towards the southern parts of Gaza by October 7, 2025, the second anniversary of the October 7 Hamas attack. The broader occupation of the entire Gaza Strip may expand after Gaza City is secured.
The plan involves disarming Hamas, preventing its reconstitution, and establishing an alternative local governance potentially linked to the Palestinian Authority, possibly supported by a regional mission over a multi-year transition. This could lead to a two-month forced evacuation of Gaza residents, pushing them into an ever-decreasing area, exacerbating displacement and worsening humanitarian conditions.
The plan has been met with criticism from former peace negotiator Menachem Klein, who fears the war with Hamas will grind on and fracture Israel. Klein believes Israel cannot win over a guerrilla force in its own territory and fears the new expanded campaign will sacrifice more Israeli soldiers' lives. Opposition to the plan also comes from hundreds of former senior military officials and directors of Israel's security establishment.
Public opinion in Israel is split regarding the decision to expand the war, with 54% wanting a ceasefire to get hostages back, even if Hamas remains in power. The war's expansion is divisive, with right-wing Israelis supporting it. However, there have been growing protests across Israel against continuing the war.
The international community has been strongly critical of the plan. The UN and EU stress that the plan could worsen regional tensions and undermine prospects for a two-state solution. The UN and human rights officials warn this escalation risks deepening the already catastrophic humanitarian situation, with fears of violations of international law and atrocity crimes.
For Palestinians, the potential implications include massive forced displacement of about 1 million already vulnerable Gazans, additional killings, destruction, severe humanitarian crises, and further disruption of daily life. The UN and human rights officials warn this escalation risks deepening the already catastrophic humanitarian situation, with fears of violations of international law and atrocity crimes.
For Israelis, the risks include increased security risks, including threats to hostages held by Hamas, and the risk of becoming entrenched in a long-term, possibly indefinite conflict ("forever war") in Gaza. There is internal opposition within Israeli military leadership about the expanded occupation due to these risks.
NPR's producer in Gaza, Anas Baba, reports that 38-year-old Mahmoud Abdel Salam Ahmed is preparing to flee again due to the cabinet decision. People in Gaza are dying every day from starvation and malnutrition. The objective of the plan is a civil administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority, but the details are unclear. It's not clear at what point Israel decides to hand control over.
In summary, Israel's plan after taking Gaza City is a phased takeover involving forced displacement, dismantling Hamas, and envisaging new governance arrangements, but it carries severe humanitarian risks and uncertain political outcomes for both Palestinians and Israelis. The international community calls for restraint and immediate humanitarian relief.
The Israeli government's plan, aiming at forcing Gaza City residents to evacuate towards the southern parts of Gaza by October 7, 2025, and restructuring the governance in Gaza, has sparked humanitarian concerns, as it might lead to a catastrophic situation, particularly for the already vulnerable Gazans.
This plan, which involves a potential forced displacement of about 1 million Palestinians, could also increase the risks for Israelis, including threats to hostages held by Hamas and a potential entrenchment in a long-term conflict, often referred to as a "forever war."
