Netanyahu Announces Plan to Take Control of Gaza, Draw Mixed Reactions
In a recent development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his intention to take military control of the entire Gaza Strip. The plan, which reportedly includes removing Hamas and then transferring governance to a non-Hamas body, has sparked reactions from around the globe.
Background
Netanyahu revealed his plan in an interview with Fox News, and the news was confirmed by various international media outlets, including Folha de S.Paulo, Al Jazeera English, and The Hindu. The Israeli premier stated that the objective was to establish a security perimeter
and later hand it over to a militarized body to govern it appropriately. ANSA reported that discussions regarding the occupation of the Gaza Strip were ongoing in Jerusalem.
Key Developments
Netanyahu emphasized that Israel does not intend to keep
or govern
Gaza but aims to establish a security perimeter,
as reported by TASS. According to the Middle East Eye, Netanyahu said, We intend to, in order to assure our security, remove Hamas there, enable the population to be free of Gaza and to pass it to civilian governance that is not Hamas, and not anyone advocating the destruction of Israel.
The prime minister further stated that they want to liberate ourselves and liberate the people of Gaza from the awful terror of Hamas.
However, this move has been criticized as a clear reversal
of what was indicated by Israel in the ceasefire negotiations by Hamas, according to the Middle East Eye.
Implications and Reactions
Netanyahu's announcement has raised concerns and drawn criticism. Hamas has accused Netanyahu of reversing the course of negotiations. The group said in a statement, Netanyahu's plan is to continue his policy of genocide and displacement by committing more crimes against our Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.
On the international front, a Jordanian official stated that Arabs will only support what Palestinians agree and decide on
after Netanyahu's announcement.
The US response to the plan was focused on Israel's security, humanitarian aid into Gaza, and the need for Hamas' non-existence, according to the Middle East Eye. However, the US State Department failed to mention what would happen to Palestinians or what US policy is towards nearly two million people in the enclave.
Current Status
The latest statements by Netanyahu have divided Israelis and allies alike, as reported by BBC News. The New York Times highlighted that the idea of an 'All or Nothing' Gaza Deal has been floated by U.S. and Israeli Officials. As of now, the final decision remains to be seen, but it's clear that any decision will have far-reaching consequences, as noted by Le Monde.
The plan marks a significant policy shift and has raised concerns over the future of Gaza and its residents. As the situation unfolds, the world watches with bated breath.