Israel’s right-wing government, headed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has taken a major step towards implementing an explosive plan. This strategy seeks the annexation of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli cabinet has unanimously supported this new initiative. This decision represents a grave escalation in the already dire and worsening conflict between Israel and Hamas. In a context of increased military escalation and evolving humanitarian circumstances in the region, this is a significant development.
Netanyahu’s announcement came during a press briefing on Tuesday. He said the plan approved by his security cabinet was to start a “brutal operation” to destroy Hamas’ military capabilities and recover the last of its hostages. This new strategy will effectively displace the overwhelming majority of residents left in Gaza. This decision was met with shock and outrage by humanitarian organizations and international observers.
The plan involves forcibly evacuating up to a million Palestinians to the southern areas of Gaza supposedly in the interests of their safety. As many critics have noted, this model in effect involuntarily relocates the entire community. In doing so, it aggravates an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis gripping the territory.
Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, added to the worries about the plan by calling it an opportunity to “divide the city”. He declared, “we are finally going to conquer the Gaza Strip,” which has led to fears that the annexation of the territory could soon follow. These comments have fueled anger and doubt among Palestinians and their supporters about Israel’s true colors.
Israel has significantly escalated its military operations with recent airstrikes outside of Gaza. There, besides pursuing the Iranian-linked Houthi rebels in Yemen’s Red Sea city of Hodeida, they attacked Hezbollah in Lebanon, accusing them of restoring a weapons production plant. In a parallel move, the Israeli military chief ordered the mobilization of tens of thousands of reserve soldiers. This logistical transfer confirms that Israel is preparing for a multi-year conflict in the area.
In particular, the international community has expressed outrage at Israel’s most recent attempts to expand settlements. France’s foreign ministry expressed deep concern over the announcement of a new territorial control scheme in Gaza. They asserted their strong condemnation of the compulsory relocation of Palestinians. Additionally, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, expressed Beijing’s “highly concerned” stance regarding the escalated situation between Palestine and Israel.
While the world has begged for humanitarian aid, the Israeli cabinet has at the same time approved a plan to allow for delivery of assistance by private firms. This change comes after two months of a harsh humanitarian aid blockade. Other Palestinian communities now experience worsening crises in access to food, water and other essentials.
In response to the escalating crisis, Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official, stated there is no point in pursuing ceasefire proposals while “the hunger war and extermination war continue in the Gaza Strip.” He emphasized the need to “pressure the Netanyahu government to end the crimes of hunger, thirst, and killings.”
As human rights abuses mount and armed action escalates, the situation in Gaza becomes increasingly dangerous. The international community watches closely as events unfold, with many calling for an immediate ceasefire and discussions aimed at achieving lasting peace in the region.