Middle Eastern Conflict: Three Inquiries Regarding Israel's Aggressive Strategy Towards Gaza Annexation
Gaza braces for Israel's New Offensive
It's a tense time for the people of Gaza as Israel gears up for another military campaign. On May 5, the Israeli government announced a fresh plan, dubbed Operation Gideon's Chariots, aimed at conquering the Gaza Strip and forcibly displacing most of its population.
The key objective of this new military strategy, spearheaded by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government, is to defeat Hamas, free the hostages taken during the October 7 attacks, and maintain control over the territory. Here's what you need to know about this controversial plan.
What's the plan all about?
Fueled by a unanimous vote by the Prime Minister's security cabinet, the Israeli government's spokesman, David Spencer, described the plan as extending and controlling territories but not occupying. The plan involves moving the Gazan population south for their safety, and powerful strikes against Hamas. To carry out this operation, Israel intends to draft tens of thousands of reservists, Spencer revealed.
Netanyahu himself confirmed the upcoming intensified offensive in Gaza, without giving specifics about the timeline. In a four-minute video published on X(New Window), he argued that the significant movement of the Gazan population is necessary "for their own protection."
From the border with the Gaza Strip, the new spokesman for the Israeli army, Effie Defrin, stated on Monday evening that the new military campaign on the Palestinian enclave would require the internal displacement of "the majority" of its inhabitants. David Spencer also affirmed that the Israeli government wanted to continue "exploring the Trump plan," which involves moving Gaza's civilians to Egypt and Jordan to make the Palestinian territory the "Riviera of the Middle East."
Alarm bells are ringing as the United Nations continues to warn of the humanitarian catastrophe and imminent risk of famine facing the approximately 2.4 million Palestinians. Despite these warnings, the Israeli security cabinet contends that there is "currently enough food." It has also agreed to the "possibility of humanitarian distribution" if necessary.
How are these announcements being received?
In Gaza, the daily struggle for basic necessities continues. It's been over 60 days since Israel halted all humanitarian aid from entering the Palestinian territory. No food, no fuel, not even medicine. Residents interviewed by AFP expect the new offensive to put further strain on the already grim circumstances on the ground.
"The Israeli announcement about the expansion of military operations in Gaza is just a smokescreen for the media, because the entire Gaza Strip is occupied", says Mohammed al-Shaoua, a 65-year-old resident of Gaza City. Aouni Aouad, who lives in a tent in the south of the territory, contends that combat has not stopped and neither have the killings, bombings, destruction, siege, or famine.
Hamas responded by suggesting there was no point in examining new ceasefire proposals as long as the war of hunger and extermination in the Gaza Strip continues. "The world must put pressure on the Netanyahu government to end the crimes of hunger, thirst, and murder" in Gaza, added Basem Naim, a member of Hamas' political bureau.
In Israel, thousands have shown their disapproval for the new military campaign. Demonstrations were held outside the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, on Monday against the operation led by their country. Critics argue that the government is putting hostages and soldiers in danger, and question its priority of defeating Hamas over the rescue and return of hostages.
What is the international community saying?
In France, the Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed strong disapproval, stating that Israel's actions are "not acceptable." The priority should be a ceasefire, unrestricted access for massive humanitarian aid, and the liberation of Hamas hostages, Jean-Noël Barrot insisted. The French foreign minister also confirmed that Paris is working towards the recognition of the Palestinian State announced by Emmanuel Macron in April.
The UN Secretary-General expressed concern about Israel's new objectives, asserting that it would inevitably lead to "an incalculable number of additional civilian deaths and more destruction in Gaza." The European Union is "concerned" and appeals for Israel to exercise "the utmost restraint."
Despite these reactions, past expansions of Israeli operations have drawn broad criticism over civilian safety and displacement risks. It remains to be seen whether the international community will condemn this new plan more forcefully this time around. The U.S. diplomatic calendar also appears linked to this new offensive: Israel apparently delayed the operation’s launch until after President Trump’s visit to Gulf states to allow for hostage negotiation efforts.
In a final note, it's worth remembering that Gaza is not just a numbers game. Each number represents a life, a family, a community, and a dream for a peaceful future. Let's hope that cooler heads prevail before the noose tightens even further.
- The Israeli government's spokesman, David Spencer, described the new military plan, Operation Gideon's Chariots, as a means to extend and control territories, not occupy, with the intention of moving the Gazan population south for their safety and launching powerful strikes against Hamas.
- Netanyahu argued that the significant movement of the Gazan population is necessary "for their own protection" and confirmed the upcoming intensified offensive in Gaza without providing specifics about the timeline.
- Regarding the Israeli government's plan, Basem Naim, a member of Hamas' political bureau, criticized the international community's involvement, saying, "The world must put pressure on the Netanyahu government to end the crimes of hunger, thirst, and murder" in Gaza.
- Despite international concerns, it has been reported that Israel delayed the operation's launch until after President Trump's visit to Gulf states to allow for hostage negotiation efforts, raising questions about the international community's response to this new plan and its impact on Gaza's civilians and the broader politics of war-and-conflicts and general news.
