Israel’s Plan to Seize Gaza City Sparks Humanitarian Concerns Amid 22-Month War with Hamas

Kokcha News Agency: Israel has declared its readiness to seize Gaza City as part of a new military plan, following a lengthy security cabinet meeting. The decision comes amid mounting international pressure and domestic opposition, as the 22-month-long conflict with Hamas has already claimed over 61,000 lives, devastated much of the Gaza Strip, and displaced millions. The United Nations has warned that continued military operations could push the region’s famine crisis to a point of no return.

According to a statement from Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, the Israeli military has been tasked with preparing to take control of Gaza City while continuing humanitarian aid to civilians outside combat zones. The plan emphasizes establishing a security buffer around the city and completely eliminating Hamas’s military presence. Netanyahu, in an interview with Fox News, stated that Israel does not intend to occupy the city permanently but aims to hand it over to Arab forces after clearing it, allowing them to administer it “without threats to Israel and with improved living conditions for the population.”

Reactions and Concerns:
The new plan is seen as a scaled-back version of Netanyahu’s earlier promise to control the entire Gaza Strip. Analysts suggest it may be aimed at pressuring Hamas to accept a ceasefire on Israel’s terms. However, Hamas has vowed that Gazans will “resist occupation” and warned that any Arab force under Israeli influence would plunge the region into a new crisis.

Gaza City, which had a pre-war population of around 700,000, remains one of the few areas in the Strip not fully evacuated. While many fled in the early days of the war, some returned during a temporary ceasefire earlier this year. Experts warn that a large-scale ground operation could displace tens of thousands more and disrupt aid to famine-stricken areas.

Within Israel, opposition to the operation is growing among the families of hostages and some security officials. General Eyal Zamir, Chief of Staff, warned the cabinet that an attack on Gaza City could endanger the lives of the approximately 20 remaining hostages and further exhaust the military after two years of regional warfare. Of the 251 hostages taken in the October 7, 2023 attack, most have been released, but 50 remain in Gaza. Recent images released by Hamas show hostages suffering from severe malnutrition.

International Pressure and Uncertain Prospects:
Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition, described the seizure of Gaza City as “aimless and endless occupation,” which he argues is exactly what Hamas wants—a protracted conflict with no clear vision for the “day after.”

The international community is also increasing pressure. Last month, 28 Western-aligned countries called for an end to the war, and even Donald Trump, a staunch supporter of Israel, expressed concern over the hunger crisis, emphasizing the need to end the war and free the hostages.

Despite this, Netanyahu believes that only increased military pressure can force Hamas to accept Israel’s terms. However, Hamas’s resistance over the past 22 months suggests that achieving this goal may come at a much higher human and political cost.