Background on Key Figures and Context
Jerusalem. On Wednesday, Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, ordered the mobilization of 60,000 reserve soldiers following approval of a plan to take control of Gaza City. Hamas described this move as a “blatant disregard” for mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Palestinian territory.
Over the past 22 months, the Israeli military has captured approximately 75% of the Gaza Strip. In recent days, Israel has escalated its aerial attacks and ground operations in Gaza City and nearby refugee camps, which are considered Hamas’s last strongholds.
The neighborhoods of Zeitun and Al Sabra have been subjected to intense bombardment. The military operation in Gaza City and its surroundings will be “progressive, precise, and selective,” explained a military official on Wednesday.
The Israeli military initiated steps for a planned operation to take Gaza City, declared the Israeli military spokesperson, Brigadier General Effie Defrin.
Additional Settlement Construction in West Bank
On Wednesday, Israel approved a crucial construction project of 3,400 housing units in the occupied West Bank. Critics argue that this project would divide the Palestinian territory into two separate entities, hindering the establishment of a future contiguous state.
“I am pleased to announce that just an hour ago, the civil administration approved the planning for the construction of E1 neighborhood,” stated Guy Yifrah, mayor of the Israeli settlement of Malé Adumim, east of Jerusalem, in a press release.
The Palestinian Authority, which partially administers the West Bank, swiftly condemned this measure.
“This undermines the prospects of establishing a Palestinian state on the ground,” asserted the Palestinian Foreign Ministry in a statement.
Key Actions and Timeline
- Wednesday: Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, orders the mobilization of 60,000 reserve soldiers following approval of a plan to take control of Gaza City.
- Recent days: Intensified aerial attacks and ground operations in Gaza City, refugee camps, Zeitun, and Al Sabra neighborhoods.
- Wednesday: Israeli military initiates steps for a planned operation to take Gaza City, according to Brigadier General Effie Defrin.
- Wednesday: Israel approves a construction project of 3,400 housing units in the West Bank, which critics claim will divide the territory and obstruct a future contiguous Palestinian state.
Reactions and Impact
Hamas criticized Israel’s decision to mobilize 60,000 reserve soldiers and take control of Gaza City as a “blatant disregard” for mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Palestinian territory.
The Israeli military’s recent escalation in aerial attacks and ground operations in Gaza City, refugee camps, Zeitun, and Al Sabra neighborhoods targets Hamas’s remaining strongholds.
The approval of the 3,400 housing unit construction project in the West Bank by Israel has been condemned by the Palestinian Authority, which claims it will divide the territory and hinder the establishment of a future contiguous Palestinian state.
Key Questions and Answers
- Q: Who is Israel Katz? A: He is the Israeli Defense Minister who ordered the mobilization of 60,000 reserve soldiers for a planned operation in Gaza.
- Q: What is the purpose of mobilizing 60,000 reserve soldiers? A: The purpose is to take control of Gaza City, according to a plan approved by Israel’s Defense Minister.
- Q: How has Hamas responded to Israel’s actions? A: Hamas described Israel’s move as a “blatant disregard” for mediation efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Palestinian territory.
- Q: What is the significance of the 3,400 housing unit construction project in the West Bank? A: Critics argue that this project will divide the Palestinian territory into two separate entities, obstructing the establishment of a future contiguous Palestinian state.
