TEL AVIV: In the early hours of Friday, the Israeli political-security cabinet approved a plan to take full control of Gaza City. This move is part of a broader strategy for military advancement throughout the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated during the meeting that the aim of this operation is the complete destruction of Hamas, although he emphasized that Israel does not intend to permanently occupy Gaza. The initial focus of the operations will be on Gaza City, with approximately one million residents potentially being relocated southward. This decision has met with a strong reaction from Hamas, which declared that Israel’s actions reflect an abandonment of the negotiation process and indicate a continuation of genocidal policies and the displacement of the Palestinian people. Hamas has called on Islamic, Arab countries, and the international community to take immediate action to prevent this dangerous plan. The United Nations has also warned that military operations in the center of Gaza City could lead to catastrophic humanitarian consequences. According to estimates from the UN, 87% of Gaza’s territory is either war-torn or under evacuation orders, with the situation for civilians, especially children, being dire. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, more than 61,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 152,000 injured since the conflict began on October 7, 2023. In recent days, several children have died due to severe malnutrition, and aid agencies have warned of a looming famine among the displaced. Within Israel, families of hostages have initiated protests, warning that the lives of hostages are at risk due to the new military operations. Some Israeli military officials have also expressed concern about increasing casualties among soldiers and hostages if this plan is executed.
