Background on Key Players and Context
The Israeli military has announced its intention to concentrate operations in Gaza City, located in northern Gaza Strip, with the aim of delivering a decisive blow against the Palestinian Islamist group, Hamas. This development comes amid an ongoing 22-month conflict between Israel and the Palestinian territories.
Hamas, considered one of the last strongholds of the Islamist movement in the region, has been at war with Israel since mid-May. The group’s spokesperson described the military’s plans to occupy Gaza City and nearby refugee camps as a “serious war crime” reflecting Israel’s disregard for international and humanitarian laws, with the backing of political and military support from the United States.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister, recently approved a new plan for military operations in the Gaza Strip, sanctioned by his security cabinet. This new phase aims to take control of Gaza City and surrounding refugee camps, with the declared objectives of defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack, which sparked the current war.
Military’s New Operational Focus
According to the Israeli military radio, the armed forces aim to achieve the following objectives by October 7:
- Evacuate the population of Gaza City
- Complete the siege around the city
- Establish operational control over Gaza City
The military’s new plan intends to deliver a decisive defeat to Hamas while prioritizing the safety of any hostages held since the October 7 attack.
Hamas’ Response and International Concerns
Hamas has condemned the Israeli military’s plans, labeling them as a “grave war crime” and criticizing the backing of the United States. The group’s stance highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics at play, with international observers closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation and potential humanitarian catastrophe.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main objective of the Israeli military’s new plan? The primary goal is to take control of Gaza City and nearby refugee camps, defeat Hamas, and secure the release of hostages.
- What actions does the Israeli military plan to undertake by October 7? The military aims to evacuate Gaza City’s population, complete the city’s siege, and establish operational control over it.
- How has Hamas responded to the Israeli military’s plans? Hamas has condemned the plans as a “grave war crime” and criticized the United States’ support for Israel.
- What are the international concerns regarding this conflict? International observers are closely monitoring the situation to prevent further escalation and potential humanitarian catastrophe.
