Israel's prospective military seizure of Gaza City and its implications for Palestinians
In a recent statement, Shibley Telhami, Anwar Sadat professor for peace and development at the University of Maryland, expressed grave concerns about the Israeli government's plan for a military takeover of Gaza City. The potential impact of this move, Telhami suggests, could be catastrophic for Gaza's future and its residents.
The Israeli government's plan, aimed at removing Hamas, could lead to massive forced displacement, further killings, and widespread suffering among civilians. It risks causing senseless destruction and atrocity crimes, worsening an already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. This, Telhami warns, could potentially amount to war crimes and ethnic cleansing.
International figures, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, have echoed these concerns, stating that a full military takeover would violate international law and exacerbate the conflict. They urge the urgent need for humanitarian aid access and a peaceful resolution.
Telhami questions what the removal of Hamas would mean and suggests it could lead to the destruction of all of Gaza. He implies that the Israeli government's plan to preclude a role for Palestinians to govern themselves or a Palestinian state is seen as a diversion. The professor suggests that some ministers in the Israeli government want more than temporary control, aiming to control Gaza, settle it, and displace Palestinians.
Prime Minister Netanyahu has stated that the goal is to remove Hamas, but it remains unclear who would fill that void after the war. The international community, according to Telhami, would help govern Gaza and economically assist the Palestinians in building a government if a plan toward a Palestinian state is implemented. However, it is unclear which Arab states are unwilling to take control of Gaza.
The move has drawn condemnation both internationally and within Israel. It is seen as a violation of international law and has been condemned as genocide by major human rights organizations and a significant portion of American voters. Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities, calling for an end to the war.
Rebuilding Gaza, Telhami estimates, would require tens of billions of dollars and a long, sustained effort. He suggests that if Israel is held accountable to implement a plan toward a Palestinian state, the international community, including Europe and possibly Germany, is moving towards recognizing Palestine. However, Tehlahmi does not mention any new potential parties that could be created in Gaza.
In light of these concerns, Telhami's emphasis on the severe humanitarian and political consequences of this approach is consistent. The removal of Hamas by force could deepen the cycle of violence, displace large populations, and dramatically impact Gaza’s political future, potentially making coexistence and recovery more difficult. The urgent need for a peaceful resolution and humanitarian aid access cannot be overstated.
[1] Source: UN High Commissioner for Human Rights statement on the situation in Gaza.
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