Israel's Prime Minister remains defiant, asserting that his fresh strategy for Gaza is the most effective route to ending the ongoing conflict.
Israel's State Security Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has approved a plan for a full military takeover of Gaza City, located in the northern Gaza Strip [1]. The aim is to "take control" of Gaza City and eventually the entire Gaza Strip, with the intention of later handing control over to unspecified "Arab forces" not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority [1].
The plan, if implemented, would lead to a ground offensive with the goal of military occupation [1]. This decision has sparked international condemnation and calls for a halt, primarily due to the severe humanitarian and legal consequences predicted [1][2].
Potential Outcomes
The plan could potentially lead to the forcible transfer of approximately one million residents of Gaza City, which could constitute war crimes due to forced displacement [1]. The military offensive would likely result in extensive destruction and heavy civilian casualties, causing a devastating humanitarian toll [1][2].
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights have warned that the plan could lead to additional war crimes and crimes against humanity[1][2]. The conflict could also result in increased displacement, suffering, and further destruction in Gaza, which has already been heavily affected by prior conflicts [2].
International Calls for Action
International bodies have emphasized the urgent need for a lasting ceasefire, protection of civilians, release of hostages held by Palestinian groups, and unfettered humanitarian aid access[1][2]. The UN Security Council is set to discuss the situation in Gaza and the new Israeli plan in an upcoming meeting.
Domestic Divide and Protests
The war in Gaza has caused a divide within Israel, with some demanding an end to the conflict and a deal for the release of hostages, while others want to see the Palestinian militants vanquished once and for all [3]. Thousands of people protested in Tel Aviv the day before the press conference, criticizing the security cabinet's decision to expand the conflict [3].
Political Influence
The far-right members of Netanyahu's cabinet, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have maintained considerable influence in the premier's coalition government throughout the war [3]. Smotrich has criticized Netanyahu's new plan as half-hearted, while Ben Gvir has stated that it is possible to achieve victory and wants all of Gaza, including transfer and colonization [3].
The War's Origins
The ongoing war in Gaza, which has been ongoing for more than 22 months, was sparked by Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel [4]. Netanyahu, however, has stated that his goal is not to occupy Gaza, but to establish a civilian administration in the Strip that is not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority [5].
[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-62827820 [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-warns-netanyahus-gaza-plan-will-likely-trigger-calamity-2021-12-16 [3] https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2021-12-16/netanyahu-s-gaza-plan-facing-international-opposition-as-thousands-protest-in-tel-aviv/ [4] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/10/israel-hamas-agree-to-ceasefire-after-11-days-of-violence [5] https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-says-israel-has-70-75-of-gaza-under-military-control-with-two-remaining-strongholds/
- The international community has expressed concerns about the potential forcible transfer of Gaza City residents, a move that could be considered a war crime, as highlighted by the International Commission of Jurists and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
- The ongoing conflict in Gaza has been accompanied by extensive destruction, heavy civilian casualties, and increased displacement, escalating the suffering and further destruction of the region, as suggested by various international bodies.
- The foreign policy landscape reflects a growing political divide within Israel, with some influential members of Netanyahu's cabinet, such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, advocating for a complete takeover of Gaza, including transfer and colonization.
