Netanyahu aims for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza conflict
Israel is in the final stages of planning a significant military operation to capture Gaza City and expand control over the Gaza Strip. The plan involves the displacement of a large portion of Gaza's Palestinian population, estimated at around 800,000 people, southward to clear combat zones [1][3].
The Israeli military has resumed the supply of tents and shelter equipment ahead of the anticipated mass displacement to southern Gaza, indicating advance humanitarian logistics planning by the Israeli military's Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) [1][2].
However, the plan faces significant obstacles and criticisms. The forced displacement of such a massive population risks causing another severe wave of humanitarian crisis, with overcrowding, lack of basic services, and starvation already reported in Gaza. UN officials warn that this escalation will lead to widespread displacement, death, and destruction, and call for the protection of civilians and facilitation of humanitarian aid [3].
Countries including France strongly condemn Israel's proposed occupation and displacement plans, stating these would constitute violations of international law and worsen the conflict and regional stability. France and others advocate for a political two-State solution as the only path to lasting peace [4].
The plan also raises concerns about the safety of the approximately 50 hostages believed to be held by Islamic Hamas in the city of Gaza, with Israel estimating that 20 of them are still alive. Families of Israeli hostages fear the offensive will endanger the remaining captives held by Hamas in Gaza. Calls for a ceasefire and negotiation have increased amid anxiety over the hostages' welfare, which complicates domestic Israeli political pressures and military strategy [2].
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu aims to quickly conclude the war against Islamic Hamas in the Gaza Strip, but has not provided specific details about the timeline for the military operation [5]. The Security Cabinet, led by Netanyahu, has decided to capture the city of Gaza, potentially with the goal of controlling the entire coastal region [6]. Currently, Israel controls around three-quarters of the Gaza Strip, where approximately two million Palestinians live [7].
Infrastructure, including housing, food and water supplies, and hospitals, would need to be established for these relocated people. Approximately one million Palestinians currently reside in the city of Gaza and would need to be relocated to areas unaffected by the planned military operation [8].
The Israeli military would need to call up hundreds of thousands of reservists and repair and replace military equipment before the operation [9]. The General Staff is expected to approve the "basic concepts" for the operation against the city of Gaza by the end of the week [10]. However, the Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, is reportedly skeptical about the plan [11].
Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu's statements, suggesting that the operation will lead to the death of hostages and soldiers, the collapse of the economy, and the ruin of Israel's international standing [12].
This proposed military operation in Gaza raises complex challenges and concerns, both humanitarian and diplomatic, and its implementation will be closely watched by the international community.
- The Israeli military's plan to capture Gaza City and expand control over the Gaza Strip, which includes the displacement of a large portion of Gaza's Palestinian population, is a matter of general news and politics, given its potential to exacerbate war-and-conflicts in the region.
- As the Israeli military prepares for a potential military operation in Gaza, criticism from countries like France and the United Nations continues, citing concerns over human rights violations and escalation of war-and-conflicts in the region, which could worsen the politics and general news landscape of the Middle East.
