Background on Key Figures and Context
As fears of an imminent Israeli ground invasion in Gaza escalate, thousands of Palestinians have abandoned their homes in eastern Gaza, subjected to constant Israeli bombardments. They are moving towards locations in the west and south of the war-torn territory.
Israel’s plan to regain control of Gaza has raised international and domestic alarm, with tens of thousands of Israelis participating in some of the largest protests since the war began. These demonstrators are calling for an agreement to end hostilities and secure the release of 50 hostages held by Palestinian militants since October 7, 2023.
The anticipated offensive has prompted mediators from Egypt and Qatar, who are working on a ceasefire, to intensify their efforts. According to sources familiar with negotiations in Cairo, this could be a “desperate last attempt.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Stance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described Gaza City as the last major urban stronghold of Hamás. However, since Israel already controls 75% of Gaza, the military has warned that expanding the offensive could jeopardize any surviving hostages and drag troops into a protracted and deadly guerrilla war.
Personal Stories of Concerned Parents
Dani Miran, whose son Omri was taken hostage on October 7, expressed his fear regarding a potential Israeli ground invasion of Gaza City. “I’m worried my son might get hurt,” he said in an interview with Reuters in Tel Aviv.
In Gaza City, many Palestinians have organized protests to demand an end to the war that has devastated much of the territory and caused a humanitarian crisis. They are also urging Hamás to intensify negotiations to prevent the Israeli ground offensive.
Potential Humanitarian Impact
An Israeli armored incursion into Gaza City could displace hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom have been displaced multiple times during the war.
Ahmed Mheisen, a Palestinian refugee manager in Beit Lahiya, a war-ravaged suburb adjacent to eastern Gaza, reported that 995 families left the area in recent days heading south.
With the looming Israeli offensive, Mheisen estimated that 1.5 million tents are needed for emergency shelters, stating that Israel has only allowed 120,000 tents into the territory during the January-March ceasefire.
The UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs declared last week that 1.35 million people in Gaza now require emergency shelter items.
“Gaza City residents are like someone who has received a death sentence and is waiting for its execution,” said Tamer Burai, a local businessman.
“I’m moving my parents and family to the south today or tomorrow. I can’t risk losing any of them if an unexpected invasion occurs,” Burai told Reuters via a messaging app.
Upcoming Protests and Stalled Negotiations
A labor protest is planned for Thursday in Gaza City, and people have taken to social media promising participation, which will add pressure on Hamás.
The last round of indirect ceasefire negotiations ended in July at a stalemate, with parties blaming each other for the failure.
Sources close to the Cairo talks stated that Egyptian and Qatari mediators met with Hamás leaders, as well as the Yihad Islámica militant group and other factions. However, no significant progress was reported.
Hamás informed mediators that they are willing to resume talks on a proposed 60-day truce by the US and the release of half of the hostages, according to an official who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. Hamás also seeks a broader agreement to end the war.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main concern driving Palestinians to leave Gaza? Fears of an imminent Israeli ground invasion have prompted thousands of Palestinians to flee their homes in eastern Gaza.
- Why are international and domestic parties concerned about Israel’s plan for Gaza? The plan has raised alarm due to potential humanitarian consequences, including the risk of more hostages and a protracted conflict.
- What are the demands of the Israeli and Palestinian sides in ceasefire negotiations?
- Israel demands the release of all hostages and the cessation of Hamás armed activities.
- Hamás is willing to discuss a 60-day truce and the release of hostages but insists on a broader agreement for an end to the war.
