Potential Decision by Israeli Government for Full Control Over Gaza After Breakdown of Ceasefire Negotiations
The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas has taken a turn for the worse, with the Israeli military's devastating response to the war causing widespread destruction in the tiny, crowded enclave of Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a complete military takeover of Gaza, a move that has drawn strong international criticism for potentially worsening humanitarian and security conditions. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warned that such a takeover would likely cause "more massive forced displacement, more killing, more unbearable suffering, senseless destruction, and atrocity crimes."
The conflict began when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and capturing 251 hostages, taking them into Gaza. Mediation between Israel and Hamas has collapsed, and the war has forced nearly all of Gaza's over 2 million people from their homes.
The proposed takeover of Gaza risks further restricting access to essential aid and worsening living conditions for Gaza's population. The UN called for the "full, unfettered flow of humanitarian aid" instead of escalation. The move is seen as contrary to international law, notably an International Court of Justice ruling mandating Israel to end its occupation and respect Palestinians' right to self-determination and a two-State solution.
The potential outcomes of the proposed takeover may include prolonged conflict with continued intense violence between Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups, further regional destabilization, and increased international condemnation. It could also lead to growing humanitarian disasters in Gaza with increased forced displacement.
International reactions mainly emphasize opposition and urgent calls to halt the takeover. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has explicitly called for an immediate halt, emphasizing the need for peaceful coexistence and adherence to international law. There are also demands for the unconditional release of hostages held by Palestinian groups and the release of Palestinians detained by Israel.
The war has caused an unfolding famine in Gaza, according to a global hunger monitor. Eight more people died of starvation or malnutrition in Gaza in the past 24 hours, according to Gaza's health ministry. The proposed takeover of Gaza would reverse a 2005 decision to pull settlers and military out of Gaza while retaining control over its borders.
The war, initiated by Hamas-led militants on October 7, 2023, has resulted in the death of over 61,000 civilians, according to Palestinian health authorities. The strategic affairs minister, Ron Dermer, will be present in the meeting with Netanyahu to finalize a new strategy in the 22-month war. It remains unclear if this includes the proposed military takeover of Gaza.
Meanwhile, Palestinians living in areas not yet taken by military control fear any new push would be catastrophic. Abu Jehad, a Gaza wood merchant, stated that any new military push would be like a death sentence for the entire population. Hamas has released a video of one of the 50 hostages still held in Gaza, appearing emaciated in what seems to be an underground tunnel. An Israeli security official acknowledged there may be hunger in some parts of Gaza but rejected reports of famine or starvation. Since the war began, 188 Palestinians, including 94 children, have died from hunger, according to Gaza authorities.
In summary, the proposed Israeli military takeover of Gaza is widely opposed on human rights and legal grounds due to its likely severe humanitarian consequences and destabilizing effects, with the international community urging de-escalation and humanitarian access over military expansion. The ongoing conflict continues to take a heavy toll on civilians, with the potential for further suffering and loss of life if the situation is not addressed urgently.
The Israeli Prime Minister's consideration of a complete military takeover of Gaza is linked to the ongoing political tensions and war-and-conflicts between Israel and Hamas. Such a move, should it proceed, would potentially exacerbate health issues among Gaza's population due to the potential for more humanitarian crises and restricted access to essential aid. Moreover, the international community, including the UN, emphasizes the need for general news coverage that underlines the urgent need for peaceful coexistence, adherence to international law, and alleviating the unfolding famine in Gaza, which has already claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians, including many children.
