The Israeli military has initiated “preliminary actions” for a planned ground offensive aimed at capturing and occupying Gaza City, claiming control over its outskirts. A military spokesperson indicated that troops are actively working in the Zeitoun and Jabalia areas, laying the groundwork for the operation, which has been approved by Defence Minister Israel Katz and is set to be discussed by the security cabinet later this week.
To support the operation, around 60,000 reservists are being called up to relieve active-duty forces. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza City are anticipated to receive evacuation orders, directing them to seek shelter in southern Gaza.
International responses to the plan have been critical, with French President Emmanuel Macron expressing concern that it could lead to disaster for both Israelis and Palestinians, potentially destabilizing the entire region. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned that further displacement and escalating hostilities could worsen the situation for Gaza’s 2.1 million residents.
Following the breakdown of indirect negotiations with Hamas regarding a ceasefire and the release of hostages, Israel’s government expressed its intent to occupy the entire Gaza Strip. IDF spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin stated that Hamas has sustained significant damage during the protracted conflict, and emphasized a focus on deepening damage to Hamas infrastructure.
Defrin further noted an operational strategy that includes warnings to Gaza City’s civilian population to minimize harm. However, reports from Gaza’s Hamas-run Civil Defence agency highlight the severe conditions in areas like Zeitoun and Sabra, with casualties reported from recent Israeli strikes.
The ICRC has called for immediate humanitarian relief access and warned against the potential escalation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Meanwhile, mediators from Qatar and Egypt are reportedly working towards a ceasefire agreement, proposing a 60-day truce that Hamas has tentatively accepted, although Israel has yet to provide a formal response. This ongoing military campaign by Israel follows the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in substantial casualties. According to Gaza’s health ministry, the conflict has since claimed over 62,000 lives in the territory.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyr7l0z9edo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss