Military operations in Gaza City by Israel could commence in several weeks, potentially affording the opportunity for a ceasefire agreement.
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, a new US-backed ceasefire proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar is being negotiated. The proposal, which includes a 60-day pause in fighting, a partial Israeli troop withdrawal, expanded humanitarian aid deliveries, and the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, has been accepted in principle by Hamas. However, Israel is still reviewing its terms [1].
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed that the defeat of Gaza City, one of Hamas' last two remaining strongholds, will bring an end to the war with Hamas. In a meeting with foreign journalists on Sunday, Netanyahu outlined his plan for the offensive, emphasizing that civilians will be allowed to leave battle zones before forces move in. The offensive, if it occurs, is expected to take weeks to start [2].
However, the offensive plan has raised international alarm due to potential harm to the shattered enclave. Israel's Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, and a security cabinet member, has expressed dissatisfaction with the plan, demanding tougher action. Meanwhile, Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has suggested the plan is designed to pressure Hamas back to the negotiating table, rather than defeat the group [3].
The plan for the offensive includes a surge of humanitarian aid, as stated by Netanyahu. This comes as a relief to the population of Gaza, who are currently facing a worsening hunger crisis. The United Nations warns that the current assistance remains grossly inadequate, placing the population at risk of starvation [4].
Despite the ceasefire proposal and the promise of increased humanitarian aid, tens of thousands of Israelis are protesting in Tel Aviv, demanding swift action to secure the hostages’ release and end the war. The potential harm to the shattered enclave due to the offensive remains a concern, but the resumption of humanitarian aid efforts offers some hope [5].
[1] The New York Times. (2023). Israel-Gaza Ceasefire Proposal: What’s in It and What’s Missing. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/15/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-ceasefire-proposal.html
[2] The Guardian. (2023). Israel to launch offensive on Gaza City, Netanyahu says. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/05/15/israel-to-launch-offensive-on-gaza-city-netanyahu-says
[3] The Jerusalem Post. (2023). Smotrich urges Netanyahu to scrap Gaza offensive plan. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/articles/302209
[4] Al Jazeera. (2023). Gaza hunger crisis worsens as Israel-Hamas conflict continues. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/5/15/gaza-hunger-crisis-worsens-as-israel-hamas-conflict-continues
[5] Reuters. (2023). Israel approves resumption of Gaza aid after ceasefire talks. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-approves-resumption-gaza-aid-after-ceasefire-talks-2023-05-15/
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