"Israeli Prime Minister states intention to liberate Gaza from Hamas control, rather than occupy it"
In a significant development, Israel has announced a plan to take direct control of Gaza City, a move that could extend to the full occupation of the Palestinian enclave. This decision, approved by the Israeli political-security cabinet, has sparked international concern and debate, particularly in light of Germany's recent partial suspension of arms exports to Israel intended for use in Gaza.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has reiterated that Israel's goal is not to occupy Gaza, but to free the territory from the grip of Hamas. However, the details of the plan remain unclear, with no specified timeline for its implementation. If successful, total control of the territory would mark a significant shift, as it would mean Israel's military control over the entire strip of Gaza.
This move comes after Netanyahu expressed his intention to take military control of all of Gaza, a statement that was met with internal military concerns about potential heavy casualties and operational challenges. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have been instructed to prepare for the potential takeover of Gaza City.
The plan, announced earlier this week, would reverse a 2005 decision by Israel, under which it withdrew from Gaza while retaining control over its borders, airspace, and utilities. This withdrawal was intended to pave the way for the establishment of a peaceful government in Gaza.
On the other hand, Germany, under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has expressed strong reservations about the humanitarian consequences and legality of the current operational plans in Gaza. While Germany supports Israel’s right to defend itself following Hamas’s attacks in October 2023, it has imposed a partial suspension on arms exports to Israel intended for use in Gaza. Germany also participates in broader international criticism of Israel’s announced Gaza operation, urging an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access, and stressing adherence to international law.
This difference underscores Germany’s position of supporting Israel’s security while expressing strong reservations about the humanitarian consequences and legality of the current operational plans in Gaza. Germany has emphasized bilateral diplomatic engagement with Israel to urge changes to the humanitarian situation but expresses frustration over lack of progress.
This news has been met with criticism at home and abroad, with many questioning the potential impact on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As the situation evolves, it remains to be seen how this plan will unfold and what its implications will be for the future of Gaza and the broader Middle East region.
[1] Source for internal military concerns: [Link to the source] [2] Source for Germany's stance: [Link to the source] [3] Source for international criticism: [Link to the source] [4] Source for Germany's diplomatic engagement: [Link to the source]
- The internal military concerns about potential heavy casualties and operational challenges in taking control of Gaza City have been made evident, as reported by [Link to the source].
- Germany, under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has expressed strong reservations regarding the humanitarian consequences and legality of the current operational plans in Gaza, supporting Israel's right to self-defense but emphasizing the necessity for adherence to international law, according to [Link to the source].
- The international community, including Germany, has expressed criticism over Israel's plan to take direct control of Gaza City, with concerns about the implications for the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the regional stability, as stated in [Link to the source].
