Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu Is Pursuing Control over Entire Gaza Strip
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for a full occupation of the Gaza Strip, with the support of the cabinet and military, according to recent reports. This move could signal a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian territories.
The proposed plan, which includes an initial occupation of Gaza City, has been met with strong condemnation from the UN's top human rights official, Volker Türk. Türk has urged the Israeli government to halt the takeover immediately, citing concerns that such a move would violate international law and exacerbate humanitarian suffering.
Türk's concerns are not unfounded. The occupation could lead to forced displacement, killings, and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, as well as potentially endangering hostages held by Palestinian armed groups. Instead, Türk advocates for a focus on allowing unfettered humanitarian aid into Gaza and the immediate and unconditional release of hostages.
Despite these concerns, the specific perspectives of Israeli military leaders and coalition partners beyond cabinet approval have not been publicly disclosed. The Israeli military currently controls around 75% of the coastal area of Gaza, which is roughly the size of Munich, and is believed to be in control of the areas where the hostages are believed to be.
The Islamic Hamas, which has been in control of the Gaza Strip for 18 years, is believed to be holding approximately 50 hostages, with 20 believed to be alive. Months of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas to achieve a ceasefire and free the remaining hostages have yielded no results.
Netanyahu has stated that Hamas is not ready for a negotiating solution, and has indicated a willingness to take the risk of military operations in areas where hostages are being held. However, the Israeli military's leadership reportedly views the full occupation of the Gaza Strip critically due to concerns about the lengthy process of eliminating Hamas tunnels and bunkers and the risk of hostages being endangered or killed.
The Israeli military's Chief of General Staff, Eyal Zamir, has reportedly had heated discussions with ultra-right ministers about the full occupation of the Gaza Strip. If Zamir is not agreeable to this plan, some officials have suggested that he should step down. However, the Israeli military's opposition to the full occupation of the Gaza Strip has not been overridden, despite the statements from Netanyahu and the demands from certain ministers.
The conflict between Israel and the Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza, has been ongoing for nearly 22 months. As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial that all parties prioritize the protection of civilians and the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
- The UN's top human rights official, Volker Türk, has urged Israel to halt its proposed plan to occupy Gaza City, citing concerns that it may violate international law and exacerbate humanitarian suffering, given the potential for forced displacement, killings, and destruction of civilian infrastructure.
- Amidst fierce discussions within Israeli military leadership about the full occupation of the Gaza Strip, the issue of hostages held by Palestinian armed groups has surfaced as a significant concern, with the military's Chief of General Staff, Eyal Zamir, reportedly voicing apprehensions about the risk of hostages being endangered or killed in such operations.
