Israeli army begins plan to take control of Gaza City international community expresse
The Israeli army has begun preliminary actions of a planned ground offensive to capture Gaza city. An army spokesman confirmed that troops have established control in the outskirts of Gaza city, specifically the Zeitoun and Jabalia areas. The operation was approved by Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday and will be presented to the Security Cabinet later this week.
To bolster resources for the operation, about 60,000 reserve troops have been called up in early September to free up active-duty personnel for deployment. The military spokesman said the action is part of a broader strategy to end Hamas’ influence in the Gaza Strip and establish permanent control over the region.
Hamas’ response and impact on civilians
According to news agency Reuters, Hamas has accused Israel of disrupting ceasefire talks and promoting a “brutal war against innocent civilians.” Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians living in Gaza City have been ordered to take refuge in southern Gaza, as the Israeli army’s takeover plan gathers pace. This could further complicate the already tense humanitarian situation in the region
International community’s response
Many of Israel’s allies have strongly condemned this military plan. French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Wednesday that the move would be “catastrophic for the people of both Israel and Palestine, and could push the entire region into a cycle of permanent war.” In addition,
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned that the already dire humanitarian crisis for Gaza’s 2.1 million population could be further deepened. ICRC said, “The increasing level of fighting and displacement will make life increasingly unbearable for Gaza’s civilians.
Failure of ceasefire talks
Last month, after the failure of indirect ceasefire and hostage release talks with Hamas, the Israeli government made clear its intention to establish full control over the entire Gaza Strip. This failure reflects the deep mistrust between the two sides, which has further escalated tensions in the region
Humanitarian crisis expected
The United Nations and other humanitarian organizations have called for immediate assistance and protection for civilians in Gaza. Experts say the military action could worsen the situation in Gaza due to massive displacement, food and water shortages, and increased pressure on medical facilities.
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has claimed that it is taking “cautious steps” to minimize civilian casualties, but local and international observers say the scope and intensity of the military operation could pose a serious threat to civilians.
The way forward
As Israel moves towards implementing its military strategy, the Israeli government has called for immediate assistance and protection for civilians in Gaza. As the conflict escalates, the international community has called on both sides to exercise restraint and take immediate steps to avert a humanitarian crisis. The situation in Gaza remains fragile, and the coming days could prove decisive for the future of the region
