Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu plans to launch a military operation against Gaza within the near future.
In the coming days, Gaza braces for an Israeli offensive against Hamas, as declared by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This operation aims to eradicate Hamas and free the remaining hostages they hold. The announcement has been met with criticism from various international figures, most notably UN Humanitarian Coordinator Tom Fletcher, who accused Israel of creating inhumane conditions. He warned of a potential genocide and demanded decisive action from the UN to prevent such atrocities.
The Palestinian civilian population in this densely populated, devastated region has endured over a year and a half of war, with 2.1 million Palestinians now at risk of starvation due to withheld aid. Fletcher appealed to the UN Security Council, questioning their willingness to act to prevent these tragedies.
President Emmanuel Macron also condemned Israel's actions, stating their policies are unacceptable. Meanwhile, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier called for the restoration of humanitarian aid access for Gaza's population.
Netanyahu is adamant that the offensive will proceed. He believes that the elimination of Hamas and the liberation of hostages are inextricably linked, and Israel will persist, even if Hamas offers to release more hostages. The Israeli military is already mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists. However, some reports suggest that the offensive might be delayed until after US President Donald Trump's visit to the Gulf region.
According to Netanyahu, over half the population could leave Gaza if feasible exit opportunities were available. Israel is currently working to secure acceptance from third countries for these refugees. However, many Palestinians fear a new wave of expulsion similar to those during previous conflicts, such as the establishment of Israel in 1948 and the Six-Day War in 1967.
Negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar, had stalled a few months ago. However, a new round of talks is set to take place in Doha, Qatar, with the participation of US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's hostage coordinator Adam Boehler. Netanyahu insists these talks should occur "under fire." Hamas continues to resist Israel's disarmament demand and seeks a full end to the war as a condition for releasing the remaining hostages.
Meanwhile, violence continues in Gaza, as evidenced by an Israeli air strike that reportedly killed dozens in Jabalia. Air strikes on hospitals have also resulted in casualties. Both sides have made claims about these attacks, but their statements cannot be independently verified.
Reports of an alleged attack on Mohammed al-Sinwar, the younger brother of Hamas leader Jihia al-Sinwar, have emerged. It remains unclear whether he was among the dead in the attack on the European Hospital in Khan Yunis. If he is killed, Israeli officials suggest this could facilitate a ceasefire and an agreement on the release of hostages, as al-Sinwar was seen as a radical actor in the Hamas negotiations.
Israel also targeted the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis in the night of Tuesday. They claimed the attack was aimed at Hamas terrorists. However, Palestinian sources reported the deaths of three people and accused Israel of targeting Palestinian journalist Hassan Eslaiah, who was being treated in the clinic for injuries sustained during a previous attack.
In a troubling development, rockets have been fired from Gaza into Israeli territory. While two projectiles were intercepted, one landed in open terrain, and another was reportedly intercepted from Yemen. The attack occurred during German Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's visit to Israel, causing him and his delegation to spend time in an air-raid shelter.
Politics surrounding the war-and-conflicts in Gaza continue to escalate, as international figures like UN Humanitarian Coordinator Tom Fletcher and President Emmanuel Macron speak out against Israel's actions. General news outlets report a potential delay in the Israeli offensive against Hamas until after US President Donald Trump's visit to the Gulf region, but tensions remain high with both sides engaging in violence.
