Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has unveiled plans for a complete takeover of Gaza, intensifying an ongoing conflict that has ravaged much of the territory and led to a significant humanitarian crisis. Israel has already occupied over 75% of the territory of Gaza after 22 days of unprecedented destruction. This ongoing conflict has had disastrous effects on the region and created alarming levels of famine among its people.
The situation in Gaza has deteriorated sharply. Almost 1 million Palestinians have been ordered to evacuate from Gaza City and other areas. This extreme step is included in Netanyahu’s suggestive plan to move them south. This strategy aims at taking Hamas out of power. It aims to establish appropriate governance under a civilian entity that will take Israel’s security seriously. Netanyahu said at the time, “We don’t want to be there as a governing body. Our goal is to hand over control to Arab forces. They will rule responsibly, keeping us safe and making life better for Gazans – the guys who want to slit your throat can’t do that.
Compounding these developments, the humanitarian needs in Gaza are at an all-time high. This move follows Israel’s announcement, in coordination with the United States, of new steps to increase humanitarian assistance. They want to increase the number of aid distribution sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) from four to sixteen. This announcement is intended to give the besieged population some of the relief they so desperately need. Critics say that this jump in aid can’t begin to offset the horrific circumstances that have emerged from continued military strikes.
Netanyahu claims that his plan will return Gaza to prosperity in the long run, but the plan has already met with fierce resistance in Israel. Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition, criticized Netanyahu’s strategy for provoking even more bloodshed and violence. He stated, “What Netanyahu is offering is more war, more dead hostages, more ‘now cleared for publication’ notices, and tens of billions of taxpayer shekels poured into the delusions of Ben Gvir and Smotrich.” His comments reflect a common belief to a greater extent among many Israelis who worry that large-scale military operations might only fuel the spiral into chaos.
For families of hostages still held in Gaza, with nine individuals unaccounted for, the war is still intensely personal. At a demonstration in Jerusalem, the relatives chained themselves together to represent their pain and hopelessness. Members of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum voiced their concerns, stating, “Escalating the fighting is a death sentence and immediate disappearance for our loved ones – look us in the eyes when you choose to sacrifice them.”
Now protests against Netanyahu’s created plans have flared every week across the country from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv to local neighborhoods. Demonstrators have called for a reevaluation of military strategies, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive deal to ensure the safe return of hostages. In one poignant moment during a protest, Lishay Miran-Lavi expressed her frustration at government inaction: “When the plans to escalate fighting were revealed, I wrote, I called, I begged… we’re here, let us in and look us in the eyes and tell us what you’re going to do? Once again they refused to respond.”
Unlike the opposition’s lack of foresight condemnation, many Israeli leaders see the military operations as a pretext to expand their reach. Bezalel Smotrich celebrated Israel’s efforts in Gaza as a means to establish Jewish settlements in the area. As various organizations calling for an immediate end to hostility have pointed out, this perspective is an upside-down one.
The Israeli military has publicly expressed opposition to a complete occupation of Gaza. They warn that such a move could entrap military forces within the enclave and jeopardize the safety of remaining hostages. This viewpoint significantly increases the difficulty of Netanyahu’s plans. He needs to weigh military goals against humanitarian concerns.
Netanyahu’s security cabinet is reportedly deep in discussion over the future of Gaza. Tension is in the air as they deliberate on what course to take going forward. Notably, Congresswoman Tlaib and other representatives have spoken out against extended military involvement. One representative from Kibbutz Nir Oz stated, “The Cabinet is now meeting to discuss a future that will be eternally condemned. It’s time to say — enough!” This sentiment endears them to many of us who are sick and tired of this endless war.
