Strategies for capturing Gaza City face resistance from fatigued Palestinians, sparking ire among many Israeli citizens
In a significant shift from the past 22 months of conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced a plan to intensify the war with Hamas by taking over Gaza City. This new plan, if executed, would mark a major escalation, involving a full operational control of Gaza City, a forced civilian evacuation, and a political goal of dismantling Hamas control.
The operation, aimed at seizing and occupying Gaza City, is part of an expanded war effort to "demilitarize" Gaza and remove Hamas from power. The Israeli military plans to place Gaza City under siege by October 7, 2025, evacuate up to a million residents into new "humanitarian zones," establish multiple humanitarian aid distribution points, and ultimately ensure Israeli control over Gaza.
The key differences from the prior 22 months are substantial. Instead of targeted strikes or circumscribed military actions, this plan involves direct, large-scale Israeli military control of Gaza City, involving extensive ground operations in densely populated urban areas where Hamas is believed to be holding hostages.
This shift towards direct military control raises concerns about the potential for severe humanitarian and military consequences. Israeli military leadership has expressed concerns about the plan's feasibility and risks, likening the expected violence and casualties to the urban battles of Fallujah and Mosul.
The current conflict has already claimed over 61,000 Palestinian lives, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, with women and children making up around half the dead. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have fled Gaza City during the war, with many returning during a ceasefire earlier this year. However, the long-running talks between Israel and Hamas broke down last month, leading to this escalation.
The decision to take over Gaza City is causing fear and anger among many Israelis due to concerns about hostages held in Gaza. Relatives of the hostages and their supporters have repeatedly protested against the war, demanding a ceasefire with Hamas for the return of their loved ones.
Amir Avivi, a retired Israeli general, has suggested that the army might be able to surround the hostages and negotiate directly with their captors or leave those areas untouched. Under pressure, Hamas might decide to release the captives, according to Avivi.
Israeli forces have recovered the bodies of six hostages who were killed by their captors when troops approached the tunnel where they were being held, posing a great risk in such operations. Families of the hostages fear their loved ones are running out of time as militants have released videos showing two captives emaciated and pleading for their lives.
The decision to take over Gaza City has been met with criticism. Ehud Olmert, a former Israeli prime minister, has expressed concerns about the lives of hostages, soldiers, and civilians. Many Palestinians in Gaza City have expressed resignation and defiance in response to Israel's decision, with many too busy searching for food and trying to survive amid the city's bombed-out buildings and tent camps to think about another exodus.
Ruby Chen, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, expressed concern that the decision puts her son, a hostage held in Gaza, in danger. Netanyahu, however, believes military pressure is key to achieving Israel's war goals of returning all hostages and destroying Hamas.
As the situation in Gaza City continues to escalate, the international community is watching closely, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the safe return of all hostages.
- In response to the Israeli plan to take over Gaza City, the international community has expressed concern and urged for a peaceful resolution, emphasizing the importance of the general news, politics, and crime-and-justice sectors to address the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Palestine.
- The escalation of the conflict, involving business interests in the region, could potentially impact the supply chain and economic stability in Seattle as well as other global cities.
- Meanwhile, within Israel, concerns over the safety of hostages held in Gaza have resulted in protests by families and supporters, demonstrating the impact of this conflict on both politics and crime-and-justice at home.
