Middle East Conflict: Three Inquiries Regarding Israel's Agenda to Subdue Gaza
Tightening the Screw on Gaza: Israel's Latest Military Campaign
The screw keeps turning more tightly around the Gaza Strip. On May 5, 2025, Israel revealed a new military campaign, their aim being the "conquest of Gaza," which would require the internal displacement of a vast portion of its inhabitants.
Here's a breakdown of the government's strategy, the backlash, and the international response to this latest plan.
1 The Military Campaign: A Closer Look
Following a unanimous vote by Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet, the spokesperson for the Israeli government divulged the plan. The plan involves "extending and controlling territories without occupying," "moving the Gazan population south for their protection," and "heavy strikes on Hamas." To execute this campaign, Israel expects to bring back "tens of thousands of reservists."
With a four-minute video on X(New Window), Netanyahu stated that the significant movement of the Gazan population is crucial "for their protection." The newly appointed spokesman for the Israeli army stated that this new military campaign on the Palestinian enclave would necessitate the internal displacement of "the majority" of its inhabitants. The Israeli government also expressed their desire to continue "exploring the Trump plan," which involves shifting Gaza's civilians to Egypt and Jordan, crafting the territory into the "Riviera of the Middle East."
UN officials have cautioned repeatedly about the looming humanitarian catastrophe and risk of famine for the approximately 2.4 million Palestinians. The security cabinet values the food situation as still "sufficient." They have also agreed to the "possibility of humanitarian distribution" should it be necessary.
2 The Impact: Gazan and Israeli Sentiments
In Gaza, the daily struggle for survival persists amidst a destroyed environment caused by conflict. Over 60 days have passed since Israel called a halt to all humanitarian aid entering the Palestinian territory, leaving residents without food, fuel or even medicine. Residents interviewed by AFP expect that the new offensive won't change the existing grim circumstances on the ground significantly.
"The Israeli declaration of military expansion in Gaza is just a distraction for media consumption, as the entire Gaza Strip is already occupied", asserts Mohammed al-Shaoua, a 65-year-old resident of Gaza City. For Aouni Aouad, living in a tent in the south of the territory, "Israel has not ceased the war, the deaths, the bombings, the destruction, the siege, or the ongoing famine".
Hamas reacted by stating that it sees no reason for negotiations or examining ceasefire proposals as long as the "war of hunger and extermination in Gaza continues." "The world must pressurize the Netanyahu government to end the hunger, thirst, and murder" in Gaza, added Basem Naim, a Hamas political bureau member, to AFP.
3 The World's Opinion: International Condemnation
In France, the Minister of Foreign Affairs described Israel's stance as "unacceptable" and strongly condemned this plan for Gaza. "The priority is a ceasefire, unrestricted access for massive humanitarian aid, and the liberation of Hamas hostages", insisted Jean-Noël Barrot. The French foreign minister also confirmed that Paris is working toward the recognition of the Palestinian State announced by Emmanuel Macron in April.
The UN Secretary-General expressed concern over Israel's stated objectives, declaring that they would inevitably lead to an "uncountable number of additional civilian deaths and more destruction in Gaza." The European Union is worried that the expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza would inflict "new victims and suffering on the Palestinian population."
- The Israeli government's strategy for their new military campaign in Gaza, as outlined by Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli army spokesman, includes "extending and controlling territories without occupying," "moving the Gazan population south for their protection," and "heavy strikes on Hamas."
- The United Nations Secretary-General has expressed concern over Israel's stated objectives for their military campaign in Gaza, warning that they would likely result in "an uncountable number of additional civilian deaths and more destruction in Gaza."
