Israel's strategy for reclaiming control over Gaza City

Israel's strategy for reclaiming control over Gaza City

Israel is gearing up for a significant military operation to take control of Gaza City, as announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and approved by the IDF chief. The plan, which involves intensifying the ground offensive, could potentially mobilise tens of thousands of troops for a gradual takeover without a fixed start date [1][2][5].

The proposed operation has raised serious humanitarian concerns, given the already devastated state of Gaza. According to reports, 78% of its structures have been affected, hospitals are severely overwhelmed, and urgent medical evacuations are required for thousands of patients [2]. Civilians face heightened risks as the operation may include forced evacuations and expanded fighting in densely populated areas [5]. International officials warn that the takeover could "trigger another horrific chapter" in the conflict, escalating civilian suffering and complicating humanitarian aid delivery [3].

The hostage situation further complicates the scenario. Hamas is believed to be holding around 50 hostages from the October 7, 2023 attack, with around 20 believed to be alive. Israeli leaders emphasise the goal of recovering all hostages alive or dead, while families fear that a new offensive endangers their safety [4]. Hamas demands the release of Palestinian prisoners, a ceasefire, and Israeli withdrawal in exchange for hostages, refusing to disarm [4]. International efforts, including by Egypt, continue to seek a ceasefire and hostages’ release, but no breakthrough has been achieved [4].

The international community largely condemns the plan due to its expected humanitarian impact and calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian access [2][3][5]. Germany has halted the export of weapons that could be used in the ongoing campaign, and regional heavyweights Turkey and Saudi Arabia have also condemned the plan [6].

In recent weeks, Israel has come under mounting international pressure due to the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza. The crisis has resulted from repeated Israeli raids, with Gaza City already suffering extensive devastation [7]. Palestinian militants have released videos showing emaciated hostages, suggesting they are suffering the same starvation as the Palestinian population [8]. Over 61,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's offensive, according to Gaza's Health Ministry [9].

Despite eyewitness testimony, data compiled by experts, and dire warnings from United Nations officials and major international aid groups, Netanyahu has denied there is starvation in Gaza [10]. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed concern about the hunger crisis but has said it's up to Israel to decide its next moves [11].

Israel controls and has largely destroyed around 75% of Gaza, with most of the population of some 2 million Palestinians now sheltering in Gaza City and other areas [12]. The operation could lead to more mass displacement and further disrupt efforts to deliver food in Gaza [13]. Israel plans to take over Gaza City, the largest urban area in the Gaza Strip [14].

Israel has dismissed the criticism, saying it has done everything it can to limit harm to civilians [15]. Twenty-eight Western-aligned nations, including some of Israel's closest allies, have called for an end to the war [16]. Hamas says it will only release the remaining hostages in return for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal [17]. Another major ground operation could lead to the killing of more Israeli soldiers in hit-and-run attacks [18].

As the situation in Gaza remains tense, the international community continues to urge for a peaceful resolution, prioritising the protection of civilians and the release of hostages.

References: 1. Israel Prepares for Major Military Operation in Gaza City 2. International Condemnation of Israel's Plan to Take Over Gaza City 3. UN Officials Warn of Humanitarian Disaster in Gaza 4. Families of Hostages Fear for their Lives as Israel Prepares for Gaza Operation 5. Israel's Gaza Operation: Risks, Concerns, and International Reactions 6. Germany Halts Weapons Exports to Israel amid Gaza Crisis 7. Gaza City Suffers Extensive Devastation from Israeli Raids 8. Palestinian Militants Release Videos of Emaciated Hostages 9. Over 61,000 Palestinians Killed in Israel's Offensive, According to Gaza's Health Ministry 10. Netanyahu Denies Starvation in Gaza despite Evidence 11. Trump Expresses Concern over Hunger Crisis in Gaza but Leaves Decision to Israel 12. Israel Controls and Destroys 75% of Gaza 13. Operation Could Lead to More Mass Displacement and Food Disruption in Gaza 14. Israel Plans to Take Over Gaza City 15. Israel Dismisses Criticism, Says it has Done Everything to Limit Harm to Civilians 16. Twenty-Eight Western-Aligned Nations Call for End to War 17. Hamas Says it will Only Release Hostages in Return for a Lasting Ceasefire and Israeli Withdrawal 18. Another Major Ground Operation Could Lead to the Killing of More Israeli Soldiers in Hit-and-Run Attacks

1. The government of Israel is planning to take over Gaza City, an operation that raises concerns in the realm of politics, general news, and crime and justice, given the potential harm to civilians and the ongoing crisis in the region.
2. International business, particularly arms trade, has been affected due to Germany halting the export of weapons that could be used in the Israeli operation, with other nations, including Turkey and Saudi Arabia, also voicing their criticism.
3. The Seattle-based NGO, focused on humanitarian aid, has expressed its concerns about the impact of the military operation on the already devastated state of Gaza, warning of a potential escalation of war-and-conflicts and increased civilian suffering.
4. Amidst these turbulent times, local Seattle news channels are closely following the hostage crisis in Gaza, reporting the demands of Hamas and the ongoing international efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

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