Peace campaigners in Israel denounce expansion of military operations as a dangerous escalation, including occupation of Gaza City. This precarious decision has sparked heavy condemnation from the public at home and abroad. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apparently opted to pursue just such a strategy. He did so despite clear advice from military leaders and advance warning that it would put hostages in danger and lead to greater Palestinian civilian deaths.
As the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza continues to deepen, the conflict is poised to spread further. According to these reports, Israel’s continued blockade of humanitarian aid has created a starvation crisis. Humanitarian organizations have long condemned the blockade for its impact on civilians. They claim that it is the principal driver of acute hunger across the region. The Israeli government plans to take complete control of Gaza and eventually transfer authority to allied Arab forces that oppose Hamas.
Netanyahu’s plan is quickly becoming a deep chasm between him and leaders of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This discord underscores a critical lack of consensus on U.S. military strategy among our most important national leaders. Indeed, this escalation is raising uncharacteristically strong criticism within Israel itself. It has drawn negative criticism from a number of its European allies, most notably Germany, which has suspended the export of weaponry that might be deployed to Gaza.
The announcement sparked a huge storm of public protest in Tel Aviv. Tens of thousands more took to the streets to intensely dramatize their fierce opposition to Netanyahu’s scorched earth military crusade. Demonstrators were particularly worried about the humanitarian toll and the risk of more people dying. The evacuation of Gaza City is reportedly set to be completed by October 7, according to sources familiar with government discussions.
Internationally, 18 foreign countries have joined in condemning the proposed plan. Leaders from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey characterized it as “a flagrant violation of international law, and an attempt to entrench the illegal occupation and impose a fait accompli… in contravention of international legitimacy.”
The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to convene to discuss the implications of Israel’s escalated military actions, with UN rapporteurs warning of disastrous consequences if Gaza’s main city is seized.
Despite the backlash, the Trump administration has not voiced any opposition to Netanyahu’s plan, indicating continued support for Israel’s military efforts. In March, the Israeli government put forward five ‘principles’ to govern a new civil administration of Gaza. This administration will act on its own, without hewing to either Hamas’s or the Palestinian Authority’s lines.
The scale of the humanitarian crisis is growing. As of June 20, 2023, according to the latest reports, at least 1,400 people have died en route to receiving assistance. Most casualties occurred near humanitarian facilities or along routes used by aid convoys, according to data from the United Nations.
Israel has long been under heavy criticism for its use of military force to Gaza. In fact, at home, Netanyahu’s position seems to become more beleaguered by the day. Critics are echoing sentiments that this escalation represents “an unprecedented challenge and provocation to the international will to achieve peace and stability,” as stated by Nabil Abu Rudeineh.
In addition to this, a senior adviser to former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert once remarked, “The idea is to put the Palestinians on a diet, but not to make them die of hunger,” which has become a point of contention in discussions about humanitarian policy in the region.