Israeli Military Control Over Gaza City Is Unwanted
In a move that has sparked widespread international condemnation, Israel's Security Cabinet has decided to take military control of Gaza City, a move aimed at securing the release of hostages captured during the October 7, 2023, cross-border terror attack by Hamas on Israelis.
The decision, driven by Prime Minister Netanyahu's hawkish war cabinet and far-right parties in the ruling coalition, has been met with criticism from various quarters, including the United Nations and Amnesty International. These organisations have expressed concerns over severe humanitarian impacts and violations of international law.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for an immediate halt to Israel's complete military takeover of Gaza, warning that such an escalation will cause massive forced displacement, greater casualties, and worsening humanitarian suffering among Palestinians. He urges allowing unhindered humanitarian aid and the unconditional release of all hostages and detainees as urgent priorities.
Amnesty International strongly opposes the decision, describing it as "utterly outrageous and revolting." The intensified military presence, they argue, will compound already dire conditions for nearly one million Palestinians in Gaza City and potentially amount to grave international law violations.
The planned operation is opposed by both the hostages' families and parts of the Israeli military leadership, underscoring the significant internal and external opposition to the move.
Israel's plans also include establishing an alternative civilian government in Gaza, excluding Hamas, and disarming Hamas to establish a demilitarized Gaza. However, these plans have been met with resistance, with the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas showing no signs of abating unless Hamas releases the hostages, a condition they are unwilling to meet without guarantees of a durable ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal.
The occupation of Gaza City may lead to a greater spread of famine among the population, as Israel has made the free flow of food and medicines difficult. This has resulted in over 1.5 lakh Palestinians being injured and over 61,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, being killed in the subsequent unrelenting campaign of destruction and dehumanization.
The UK is ready to support a two-state solution, pending a ceasefire, while France supports a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. The world, however, appears to be struggling to intervene in Israel's continued trampling of the people of Gaza, with the ongoing cruelties inflicted on the Palestinians becoming increasingly normalised.
Israel's military plans currently include building a security zone upwards of the Egyptian border and annexing Gaza City, a move seen as a means for Mr. Netanyahu to extend his hold on power. The annexation of Gaza City and the ongoing military operations have resulted in Gaza City being one of the few areas not under evacuation orders, with most Palestinians being forced northwards due to Israeli security measures.
The hostages in Gaza are being deliberately starved as retaliation for Israel denying food aid to Palestinian civilians, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. It is hoped that a peaceful resolution can be found to end the suffering of the Palestinian people and bring an end to the ongoing conflict.
[1] UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, press briefing, 15th November 2023. [2] Amnesty International, Press Release, 16th November 2023.
- The ongoing political standoff between Israel and Hamas, as evidenced by the military takeover of Gaza City, is a significant point of focus in war-and-conflicts and general-news.
- The United Nations and Amnesty International, in their press briefings and press releases respectively, have highlighted the political implications of Israel's military actions in Gaza City, expressing concerns about humanitarian impacts and violations of international law.
