Israel Intensifies Military Operations in Gaza City Amid Rising International Concerns
In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified their military operations in Gaza City, aiming to dismantle Hamas strongholds. This strategy, however, faces strong opposition from both the Israeli public and the international community. The military advance and the ensuing humanitarian crisis are forcing around a million people to flee their homes, according to Al Jazeera English.
Background and Context
For the seventh time, the IDF has returned to Zeitoun, on the outskirts of Gaza City, with a methodical approach to destroy buildings and tunnels, thereby eliminating hiding places for the enemy, as reported by The Times of Israel. The intensified operational activities also extend to the north and center of the Gaza Strip, as ANSA reported.
However, Al Jazeera English noted that there is significant internal opposition in Israel regarding the plan to seize Gaza City, highlighting the very strong doubts
among the Israeli public. This comes as the Middle East Eye reported warnings from Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for the military wing of Hamas, that the occupation of Gaza City would be devastating
for the Israeli army.
Key Developments
As IDF pushes deeper into Gaza City, a significant number of Palestinians are fleeing southward, and reports suggest that the Houthi prime minister was killed in a raid on Sana'a. IDF also reported the elimination of a key Hamas militant in Gaza City. Amid the escalating conflict, Israel is planning to slow or halt aid entry to north Gaza before the offensive, according to The Times of Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for the annexation of parts of Gaza, a move condemned by the international community as illegal under international law. According to Al-Quds News, Smotrich has reportedly ordered military chief Eyal Zamir to besiege Gaza City, stating anyone who doesn't flee can die of hunger or surrender.
Implications and Reactions
The Israeli army has warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that demolishing Gaza City could take over a year, according to the Middle East Eye. This warning comes amid the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, forcing families to flee and causing devastation on a large scale. Unicef has reported that a child is injured or killed every 10 minutes in Gaza, making it the most dangerous place in the world for children.
Internationally, reactions have varied. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has condemned Israel’s actions but has not specified any diplomatic, economic, or military action. Meanwhile, Turkey has decided to bar Israeli vessels from using its ports and imposed restrictions on some planes entering Turkish airspace.
Current Status
Presently, Israeli forces continue their advance into Gaza City, leading to escalating violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Amid this, the Orthodox Church in Gaza City has been ordered to evacuate by the Israeli army, but church leaders have vowed to stay and assist those unable to flee.
With the situation escalating, Gaza City remains a crucial flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with the consequences of the ongoing military operations likely to reverberate for years to come. The international community continues to watch with concern, calling for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the violence.