Urging pressure on Hamas; threats of Gaza seizure met with caution from Israel
The United Nations has expressed grave concern over a possible Israeli takeover of the Gaza Strip, warning that such a move could further endanger the lives of remaining hostages in the region. UN diplomat Miroslav Jenca has condemned the treatment of these hostages and reiterated the UN's demand for their unconditional release.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has accused countries that recently announced recognition of Palestine as a state of undermining a ceasefire agreement. He also accused Hamas of using torture and starvation as propaganda tools, and asserted that the organisation bears responsibility for the war's continuation by not releasing hostages and laying down arms.
Months of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a ceasefire and the release of hostages have been unsuccessful. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for a full takeover of the Gaza Strip, despite military objections. However, reports suggest that the Israeli military chief, Eyal Zamir, did not present the full takeover of the sealed Gaza Strip as an option during his consultations with Netanyahu.
The military leadership has significant concerns about expanding the fighting and fully occupying the Gaza Strip, as this could take years and lead to increased displacement, deaths, and widespread destruction. This action risks further endangering lives, including those of hostages still in Gaza.
The UN reports indicate that people in Gaza are at risk of starvation due to the Israeli military's blockade of the coastal region. Reports suggest a possible Israeli takeover of the Gaza Strip could have catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians.
The Israeli security cabinet is scheduled to meet for consultations on the matter on Thursday. The United Nations Security Council is being urged by Israel to exert more international pressure on Hamas.
Opposition leader Jair Lapid has warned the government against fully occupying Gaza, stating that doing so would likely endanger the hostages there. The forum of hostage families has criticized Netanyahu for selling the public the illusion that military pressure will bring the hostages back.
The debate over the disarmament of the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia is escalating in Lebanon, with Hezbollah refusing to commit to a concrete timeline for disarmament as long as Israel continues its attacks and does not withdraw its troops.
[1] This action risks further endangering lives, including those of hostages still in Gaza. The UN has urged Israel to comply with its obligations under international law to avoid deepening the crisis. Internationally, the United Nations, represented by Secretary-General António Guterres, has expressed grave concern about such a military move, emphasizing that it would violate international law and exacerbate the already dire conditions in Gaza.
[1] The United Nations, led by Secretary-General António Guterres, has condemned the possible Israeli takeover of the Gaza Strip, warning that such an action could escalate war-and-conflicts in the region.[2] Amidst the ongoing political disputes, Israeli opposition leader Jair Lapid has echoed the UN's concerns, urging the government to prioritize the safety of hostages and uphold general-news reporting's calls for adherence to international law.
