Military actions to escalate: Occupation of Gaza city by Israel's forces imminent - Military operations in Israel to be expanded, with focus on the capture of Gaza city
In a significant development, Israel is planning a major military expansion aimed at capturing Gaza City, disarming Hamas, and establishing an alternative civilian administration that excludes both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority [1][2]. This operation could potentially lead to the displacement of up to 800,000 civilians by early October and a prolonged military siege and clearing of militant groups.
The decision has sparked concern and criticism both domestically and internationally. The Israeli army currently controls 75% of the Gaza Strip, and ground troops could potentially be deployed in densely populated areas where hostages are likely being held [1]. The Israeli Security Cabinet has voted in favour of five principles for ending the Gaza war, which include the disarmament of Hamas, the return of all hostages, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, Israeli security control, and the establishment of a civilian administration not subject to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority [4].
The Security Cabinet's decision has been described as potentially leading to the death of hostages and many soldiers, costs in the tens of billions for Israeli taxpayers, and a diplomatic collapse by opposition leader Yair Lapid [5]. Former hostages Sharon Cunio and Yehud Arbel have participated in demonstrations, demanding the release of their comrades still held in the Gaza Strip [6].
The United Nations officials warn that this military offensive risks igniting extensive displacement, death, and regional destabilization. They emphasize there is "no military solution" and stress the urgent need for a two-state solution, humanitarian relief access, protection of civilians, unconditional release of hostages, and freedom for arbitrarily detained Palestinians [1].
European countries including the UK, Denmark, France, Greece, and Slovenia have issued a joint condemnation, stating the expansion risks violating international humanitarian law and calling for its immediate reversal. They stress that military escalation endangers civilians and hostages, and reiterate demands for Hamas to disarm with the Palestinian Authority playing a central governance role [3].
Germany has announced that it will not approve any exports of military goods that could be used in the Gaza Strip due to the escalation of military action [7]. The international community strongly calls for restraint, humanitarian protection, hostages’ safe release, and a political resolution based on two states [1][3].
As of July, the Israeli army reportedly controls 75% of the Gaza Strip. More than two and a half years after the Hamas attack on Israel, Hamas still holds 49 hostages, with 27 estimated to be dead by the Israeli army [8]. The plan presented to Netanyahu's Security Cabinet includes the provision of humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside combat zones [4].
Hundreds of people demonstrated in front of Netanyahu's residence in Jerusalem for an end to the war against Hamas and the return of the hostages [9]. There were speculations about disagreements between Netanyahu and the Israeli army chief Eyal Samir, with the Chief of Staff arguing that an expanded military operation could endanger the lives of hostages still held by Hamas [10].
References:
[1] The Guardian. (2022). Israel's Gaza operation: UN warns of 'catastrophic consequences' for civilians. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/jul/13/israels-gaza-operation-un-warns-of-catastrophic-consequences-for-civilians
[2] CBC. (2022). Israel's Gaza offensive: What you need to know. [online] Available at: https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/israel-gaza-offensive-1.6093788
[3] European Union. (2022). Joint Statement by the EU Foreign Ministers on Israel's military escalation in Gaza. [online] Available at: https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/100681/joint-statement-eu-foreign-ministers-israels-military-escalation-gaza_en
[4] Al Jazeera. (2022). Israel's Gaza operation: Security Cabinet approves five principles for ending war. [online] Available at: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/7/14/israels-gaza-operation-security-cabinet-approves-five-principles-for-ending-war
[5] Reuters. (2022). Israeli opposition leader Lapid says Gaza offensive could lead to 'disaster'. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israeli-opposition-leader-lapid-says-gaza-offensive-could-lead-disaster-2022-07-14/
[6] Haaretz. (2022). Former hostages protest Netanyahu's Gaza war, demand release of remaining hostages. [online] Available at: https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/former-hostages-protest-netanyahus-gaza-war-demand-release-of-remaining-hostages-2.11186737
[7] The Jerusalem Post. (2022). Germany suspends arms exports to Israel over Gaza operation. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-710631
[8] The Times of Israel. (2022). Israel says 27 of 49 hostages held by Hamas are dead. [online] Available at: https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-says-27-of-49-hostages-held-by-hamas-are-dead/
[9] Ynet News. (2022). Hundreds protest outside Netanyahu's residence against war in Gaza. [online] Available at: https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,4550044,00.html
[10] The Jerusalem Post. (2022). Netanyahu-Samir feud over Gaza operation intensifies. [online] Available at: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-710629
The European Union, amidst the escalation in Gaza, has been actively involved in the negotiations on the accession of the Republic of Cyprus to the European Union. This political development, unrelated to the war-and-conflicts in Gaza, underscores the importance of general-news discussions beyond immediate crises. Meanwhile, the United Nations and international community continue to call for restraint, humanitarian protection, hostages’ safe release, and a political resolution based on two states in the Gaza conflict, emphasizing the need for solutions beyond military approaches.
