Trump instructs Israel to deliberate on complete annexation of Gaza territory
The Israeli government's decision to take full military control of the Gaza Strip has been met with fierce opposition and concerns over humanitarian implications. The move, approved by the Israeli security cabinet, aims to establish total control over Gaza City and has drawn criticism from the United Nations.
The conflict in the Gaza Strip was ignited by attacks led by Hamas on October 7, 2023. In response, Israel launched a large-scale military operation, causing over 61,000 deaths, according to local authorities controlled by Hamas. Nearly 1,200 people died, and around 250 were taken hostage in the initial attacks, with around 50 Israeli hostages still remaining, 20 of whom are alive.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for an immediate halt to this plan, warning that it would lead to massive forced displacement, widespread killing, and grave suffering. He emphasized that such an escalation violates international law and undermines the prospects for a two-State solution.
Türk also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the Israeli hostages by Palestinian armed groups. He urged the release of Palestinians arbitrarily detained by Israel, emphasizing the need for all efforts to focus on saving civilian lives and allowing unfettered humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The enclave has been under a blockade by Israel, leading to reports of famine among the population. The withdrawal of UN agencies and non-governmental humanitarian aid organizations has further exacerbated the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced during the military operation.
The destruction of almost all the enclave's infrastructure occurred during the military operation. A meeting of the UN Security Council was recently convened in New York, at the initiative of Israel, to draw attention to the humanitarian situation of the hostages in the hands of Hamas since October 2023.
In a bid to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, the United States recently donated 60 million dollars to provide food to the people of Gaza. However, the situation remains dire, with the Islamic movement, which rejects the appeals of Arab countries to lay down their arms, recently releasing a propaganda video showing one of the hostages, Evyatar David, emaciated and severely weakened.
Trump, who has been involved in the negotiations, stated that both Israel and the Arab countries will help in the distribution and financing of this food aid. He described the video of Evyatar David as "horrible" and expressed hope that it would be widely seen.
Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, met with the chief of the armed forces, Eyal Zamir, today, after the Israeli press reported Zamir's opposition to the government's plans for a complete occupation. Trump did not provide details about the total military occupation plan of Gaza, stating that it largely depends on Israel.
As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, international attention remains focused on the need for de-escalation, humanitarian considerations, and the release of all hostages.
[1] United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. (2023). Statement on the Situation in Gaza. Retrieved from https://www.ohchr.org/EN/NewsEvents/Pages/DisplayNews.aspx?NewsID=27177&LangID=E
[2] United Nations Security Council. (2023). Meeting on the Humanitarian Situation in Gaza. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/securitycouncil/meetings/permalink/12135
What is the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights' position on the Israeli government's plan to take full military control of Gaza City? He has urged an immediate halt to the plan, stating that it would lead to massive forced displacement, widespread killing, and grave suffering, violating international law and undermining the prospects for a two-State solution.
In the midst of political tensions surrounding the Gaza Strip, the United Nations Security Council recently met in New York to discuss the humanitarian situation of the hostages, with the primary focus being on de-escalation, humanitarian considerations, and the release of all hostages.
