Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu aims for an immediate conclusion to the ongoing Gaza conflict.
Israel Prepares for Potential Military Operation in Gaza City
Israel is reportedly in the final stages of planning a military operation to capture Gaza City and extend its control over the entire Gaza Strip. The operation aims to defeat the Islamic militant group Hamas and secure the release of hostages [1].
According to reports, up to one million Palestinians currently residing in Gaza City may need to be relocated to areas unaffected by the planned military operation [2]. This relocation is expected to require the repair, replacement, and deployment of worn-out military equipment, as well as the establishment of infrastructure such as housing, food and water supplies, and hospitals for the displaced people [3].
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasised the need for a swift conclusion to the war against Hamas, but the timeline for capturing the city of Gaza remains unclear. Some media reports suggest that the army may need up to two months to prepare [4].
The operation has sparked concerns and criticism from various quarters. Humanitarian organisations and UN officials have warned that the offensive could lead to massive displacement, death, and destruction, further exacerbating starvation and humanitarian suffering in Gaza [2]. The International Court of Justice has demanded that Israel enables urgent humanitarian assistance and basic services during the conflict [2].
France strongly condemns the plans for Gaza occupation and forced population displacement, considering them serious violations of international law that could further destabilise the region and hinder prospects for peace [3]. Major NGOs are facing restricted access or bans, and humanitarian distribution schemes are being criticised as militarised and harmful to civilians [4].
UN officials warn that the Israeli offensive could trigger dangerous escalations across the region, while the plan to establish an alternative civilian administration in Gaza outside both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority adds to political complexities and risks further destabilisation [2][3].
Israeli estimates suggest that approximately 20 hostages are still alive, and Netanyahu continues to press for the acceleration of the military operation against Hamas in the city of Gaza [5]. After 22 months of war, the Gaza Strip is largely destroyed, and the operation is expected to involve the deployment of hundreds of thousands of reservists [6].
The Security Cabinet decided on Friday that the military should capture the city of Gaza, potentially taking control of the entire coastal region [7]. The General Staff is expected to approve the "basic concepts" for the operation against the city of Gaza by the end of the week [1].
Opposition leader Yair Lapid has criticised Netanyahu's statements, suggesting that the operation could lead to the deaths of hostages and soldiers, a collapsing economy, and damaged international standing [8]. Critics of the planned military operation, including relatives of the hostages, fear that the operation could endanger the lives of the captives [9].
Army Chief Eyal Zamir is reportedly skeptical about the plan [10]. The latest updates indicate that the operation, if executed, could have far-reaching consequences for the region, the people of Gaza, and the international community.
[1] Haaretz
[2] Al Jazeera
[3] Reuters
[4] The New Arab
[5] The Jerusalem Post
[6] The Times of Israel
[7] Haaretz
[8] The Times of Israel
[9] The Jerusalem Post
[10] Haaretz
The upcoming military operation in Gaza City, aiming to capture the city and combat Hamas, is generating widespread coverage in the news, including general news and political sections. This potential war-and-conflicts scenario has also sparked concerns and criticism from humanitarian organizations, UN officials, and international courts, who fear it could lead to destruction, displacement, and worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. Meanwhile, the political complexities surrounding the operation, such as the establishment of an alternative civilian administration in Gaza, add to the uncertainties and potential instability in the region.
