Israel's Prime Minister, Netanyahu, allegedly aims to seize control of Gaza in its entirety. - Netanyahulooks to gain control of entire Gaza region, according to reports
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, aiming to root out the militant group Hamas. This decision comes after months of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas to achieve a ceasefire and free hostages have yielded no results.
The Gaza Strip, located along the Mediterranean Sea, is currently divided, with Israel controlling around 75% of it, roughly the size of Munich. The remaining parts are still under the control of Hamas.
Netanyahu's plan, if implemented, would involve moving into central Gaza areas, including Gaza City, where hostages are believed to be held. This offensive would likely displace around 1 million Palestinian civilians, raising significant humanitarian concerns.
However, the plan faces opposition from top Israeli military officials, including Israel's highest-ranking general and other senior security personnel, who are concerned about the risks involved. The international community has also placed massive pressure on Israel to halt the operation and address the humanitarian crisis.
The demands for the full occupation of the Gaza Strip, deportation of Palestinians, and establishment of Jewish settlements are primarily coming from ministers from the right-wing and ultra-religious parties in the governing coalition.
Despite this resistance, Netanyahu is moving forward, reportedly willing to take the risk of military operations in areas where hostages are being held. It is also reported that the Israeli Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, has had heated discussions with ultra-right ministers about the full occupation of the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu's decision to proceed with the plan follows a series of attacks by Hamas, which on October 7, 2023, along with its allies, killed more than 1,200 people and took another 250 as hostages to the Gaza Strip. According to Israeli estimates, there are currently still 50 hostages in Hamas' custody, of whom 20 are believed to be alive.
The Israeli military has previously opposed a full occupation of the Gaza Strip due to concerns about eliminating Hamas tunnels and bunkers, which could take years. If the Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, is not in agreement with the full occupation plan, he may step down, according to media reports.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has lasted almost 22 months. The international community is urging both parties to find a peaceful solution to end the violence and address the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
[1] Sources: The Times of Israel, Haaretz, BBC News, Al Jazeera, Reuters, AP News.
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