Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu set to annex Gaza Strip entirely
Israeli Takeover of Gaza Stirs Concerns
Reports suggest that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for a full takeover of the Gaza Strip, a move that could have significant military, political, and humanitarian implications.
Military Concerns
Gaza City, the heart of the Strip, is densely populated and heavily fortified by Hamas. A full takeover would involve intense urban warfare, which risks high casualties on all sides, including civilians. This could complicate Israeli military objectives and lead to further displacement and destruction.
Political Implications
The takeover would undermine ongoing international efforts toward a two-state solution and Palestinian self-determination. The United Nations and the International Court of Justice oppose such occupation, emphasizing Israeli obligations under international law. It could exacerbate regional instability, provoke wider conflict, and damage Israel’s relationships with key international actors, including the European Union and potentially the United States.
Humanitarian Crisis
For the Palestinian population, the consequences are dire. A full military takeover is expected to cause massive forced displacement of civilians, additional killings, widespread destruction of infrastructure, and worsening humanitarian catastrophe amid an already dire blockade and scarcity of aid.
UN officials have strongly urged Israel to halt its plans, warning of a deepening humanitarian disaster and violation of international law. The continued occupation and military action risk not only immediate suffering but also long-term destabilization and entrenchment of conflict dynamics.
Criticism and Resistance
Israel's former military spokesman Peter Lerner has criticized the plan to fully occupy Gaza, stating that it is political survival disguised as national security and that it is putting Israeli soldiers in an endless quagmire. Lerner is not alone in his criticism. If the chief of staff (Eyal Zamir) is not on board with the plan, he should step down, according to an official.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that Zamir has had heated discussions with far-right ministers who demand the occupation of the entire Gaza Strip, the expulsion of the Palestinian population to other countries, and the establishment of Jewish settlements. However, it is unclear whether Netanyahu's approach aligns with that of US special envoy Steve Witkoff, who is reportedly aiming for a comprehensive deal that would end the war and return all remaining hostages at once.
In Lebanon, there are concerns about a new war with Israel. One person was killed at the beginning of this week, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health, who identified the person as a "Hezbollah terrorist." A cabinet meeting is scheduled for today in Lebanon to discuss the state's control of all weapons and the subsequent disarmament of Hezbollah. So far, Hezbollah has refused to agree to binding disarmament with a concrete timeline.
UN reports suggest that the looting of aid supplies exacerbates the already unbearable conditions in Gaza. Out of approximately 2,600 trucks, around 2,300 have been intercepted, either peacefully or violently. The hostages are in greater danger with each passing day of the war, according to Lerner.
Lerner also expressed hope that Zamir "has the courage to resist this absurd plan that is not directed against Hamas. It is directed against Israel." US President Donald Trump is now aiming for a comprehensive deal that would end the war and return all remaining hostages at once.
[1] UN: A majority of aid shipments intended for Gaza are looted before reaching their destination. [2] There are concerns in Lebanon about a new war with Israel.
- A full takeover of the Gaza Strip by Israel could lead to a deepening humanitarian crisis, as the military operation would likely result in civilian casualties, infrastructure damage, and forced displacement, as evidenced by the currently dire conditions in the region.
- The political implications of a full takeover of the Gaza Strip, as suggested in the Israeli Prime Minister's plans, could potentially exacerbate regional instability, provoke wider conflict, and damage Israel’s relationships with key international actors, due to violations of international law and opposition from UN officials, the European Union, and other organizations.