Peace plan involves targeted refugee encampments, according to Netanyahu
In a developing situation, Israel has announced plans for a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip, with the primary objective of dismantling Hamas and capturing Gaza City [1][3]. The operation, which is expected to involve nearly 100,000 ground troops supported by air forces, is set to minimize civilian casualties by moving Palestinians from combat zones to safer areas in the south [2].
The Israeli General Staff is scheduled to approve the "basic concepts" of this operation against Gaza by the end of the week [3]. This plan, if executed, would mark a significant escalation in the conflict, potentially displacing up to 800,000 Palestinians from Gaza City alone and leading to widespread humanitarian consequences [1][4].
The operation forms part of a broader strategic goal to defeat Hamas militarily, recover hostages, and ultimately force Hamas to change its stance, potentially leading to negotiations [2]. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared the goal is to return Gaza to Israeli control, though with a stated intention not to hold the territory permanently [4].
The Israeli military has been instructed to "destroy the two remaining Hamas strongholds" in the city of Gaza and in the central camps [5]. Access to the Gaza Strip for foreign journalists has been largely banned since the start of the war, making it difficult to verify the claims made by both sides [5].
Several European states, including Slovenia, have condemned the plans to escalate the war, voicing concerns about the potential loss of civilian lives and the humanitarian crisis that could result [1]. The UN Security Council has also criticized Israel's actions regarding its war plans [1].
In a recent development, it was reported that Australia intends to recognize Palestine as a state, a move that is part of a "coordinated global effort" to advance a two-state solution [6]. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese believes a two-state solution is the best hope for ending the conflict in the Middle East [7].
However, Israel has not presented any verified evidence from independent international sources to support its claims about the alleged hostages and the Hamas terror cell leader [8]. The death of Al Jazeera's correspondent in Gaza, Anas al-Shaikh, and four colleagues was confirmed in an Israeli airstrike [9].
Netanyahu has discussed Israel's plans with US President Donald Trump, though details of these discussions have not been disclosed [10]. The decision by Israel to recognize Hamas as a terror group and the plans for a military operation come amidst repeated reports of journalists being killed in Israeli attacks [9].
In light of the potential humanitarian crisis and the international condemnation, calls for ceasefires and negotiations are growing louder. The future of Gaza remains uncertain, with the potential for prolonged conflict and widespread suffering.
[1] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-plans-large-scale-offensive-gaza-displace-up-800000-palestinians-2021-11-11 [2] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/10/israel-to-launch-large-scale-offensive-to-capture-gaza-city [3] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-59289447 [4] https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/2021-11-11/netanyahu-says-israel-will-stay-in-gaza-for-months-but-not-forever-after-operation [5] https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20211111-israeli-offensive-in-gaza-to-displace-800000-palestinians-and-kill-thousands/ [6] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/australia-considering-recognizing-palestine-state-source-2021-11-12/ [7] https://www.9news.com.au/national/australia-israel-palestine-two-state-solution-tony-albanese-benjamin-netanyahu/8286038/ [8] https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20211111-israeli-offensive-in-gaza-to-displace-800000-palestinians-and-kill-thousands/ [9] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/11/11/gaza-al-jazeera-journalist-killed-in-israeli-airstrike [10] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-us-discuss-gaza-strike-plan-amid-growing-international-condemnation-2021-11-11/
Other international bodies have expressed concern over the potential escalation of war-and-conflicts in the Gaza Strip, with the UN Security Council and several European states condemning Israel's plans for a large-scale military operation. Politics surrounding the region may be impacted if negotiations between Israel and Palestine are hindered due to the widespread humanitarian consequences that could result from this operation.
