Israel to Exert Authority Over Gaza City, Sparking Domestic and International Criticism
Israel's decision to seize control of Gaza City, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet, has sparked international concern due to the anticipated humanitarian impact and the risks posed to hostages and civilians.
The operation, intended to "demilitarize" Gaza and remove Hamas from power, has been met with criticism from various quarters. Chaim Klein, a 26-year-old yeshiva student, expressed support for the Israeli offensive, believing it would eliminate a good percentage of Hamas. However, many view the offensive as a potential death sentence for hostages still held by Hamas.
The plan involves intense military operations in densely populated areas, raising serious concerns about civilian casualties and humanitarian fallout. The international community, including families of hostages and humanitarian agencies, has expressed apprehension about escalating violence and the complexity of safely resolving hostage situations amid conflict.
Tragic casualties linked to the conflict have already been reported. Gaza's Hamas-run Ministry of Health reported 123 deaths and 437 injuries within 24 hours, with many among the dead being civilians trying to get aid. These figures underscore the dire humanitarian situation expected to worsen if military operations expand as planned.
The United Nations Security Council will meet in a rare weekend session to discuss Israel's plan. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has called the plan a "dangerous escalation," while the UN human rights chief, Volker Turk, has urged for an immediate halt to the operation and the allowance of "the full, unfettered flow of humanitarian aid."
The European Union's chief, Ursula von der Leyen, has called for a ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and "immediate and unhindered access" for humanitarian aid in Gaza. The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has stated that the action will "do nothing to bring an end to this conflict or to help secure the release of the hostages."
Turkey has urged global pressure to halt the plan and prevent the implementation of a decision that aims to forcibly displace Palestinians from their own land. Germany has halted military exports to Israel out of concern they could be used in Gaza. France's Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot, strongly condemned the Israeli government's plan, stating it would worsen an already catastrophic situation.
The plan aims to defeat Hamas and establish an alternative civil administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority. However, the Hostage and Missing Families Forum has criticized the plan, stating it amounts to abandoning the captives. Gaza residents fear for the worst, as they braced for the next onslaught.
The Israeli army has stated it controls 75 percent of the Gaza Strip, mainly from its positions along the border. Out of 251 hostages captured during Hamas's 2023 attack, 49 are still being held in Gaza, including 27 the military says are dead.
The plan has also highlighted the ongoing malnutrition crisis in Gaza. At least 99 people have died from malnutrition this year, with the figure likely an underestimate. Nearly 12,000 children under five face acute malnutrition, according to the World Health Organization.
In summary, Israel's offensive plan to take control of Gaza City has met with international concern over the humanitarian impact and the safety of hostages and civilians, with critics warning of potentially severe consequences as military actions intensify. The international community is urging for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of all those affected.
- The international community, including various human rights organizations and families of hostages, are urging Israel to halt its offensive in Gaza, expressing concerns about the potential escalation of violence and the risks to civilians.
- political discussions regarding Israel's decision to seize control of Gaza City have extended to the United Nations, European Union, and other international forums, with leaders like Antonio Guterres, Ursula von der Leyen, and Jean-Noeel Barrot vocalizing their concerns about the humanitarian crisis and the need for a peaceful resolution.
- Health agencies, such as the World Health Organization, have reported alarming figures related to malnutrition in Gaza, with at least 99 deaths and nearly 12,000 children under five facing acute malnutrition, adding another layer of urgency for the international community to find a solution that prioritizes the health and wellbeing of affected citizens.
