Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on the verge of some very significant territorial moves. In parallel, security cabinet meets to finalize plans for a ground offensive to capture all of Gaza City. The imperative to engage in these discussions could not be greater, as Israel undoubtedly finds itself in a moment of deep crises at home and abroad. This meeting takes place amid continued military escalation in Gaza, with civilian deaths hitting record numbers.
Palestinian civilians and combatants Recent Israeli military actions have resulted in devastating, unjustifiable loss of life. On Saturday alone, over 47 people were killed in Gaza City, and since Sunday morning, an additional 24 have died. This violence has led to fears of a deepening humanitarian crisis in the enclave. For his part, Maj. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Chief of Staff of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has voiced alarm over the potential for proactively escalating this further. He is especially concerned with the fate of hostages kidnapped by Hamas.
The Israeli cabinet will explore various strategies, including full annexation of the West Bank or partial annexation of selected settlements. This is occurring just as Netanyahu and his new team gear up for an expected international recognition of Palestinian statehood, and the inevitable diplomatic storm that will follow. The cabinet’s discussions are expected to include a review of the IDF’s plans, which had already received preliminary approval earlier this month.
As the ground offensive looms, Zamir has been drawing attention to the dangers of military activity within Gaza City. These moves not only endanger the lives of U.S. soldiers, they deepen the continuing humanitarian disaster. He is likely to urge the cabinet to consider negotiations related to a potential ceasefire before committing to further military escalation.
“Soon, as the campaign in Gaza intensifies, many more of his partners in crime – the murderers and rapists of Hamas – will join him there,” – Israel Katz, Defense Minister.
Netanyahu’s administration will be held accountable and under severe scrutiny as it faces the increasingly complicated and incendiary dynamics at play. The security cabinet’s meeting is described as a formal update regarding plans to take control of Gaza City, reflecting a calculated approach amidst growing pressures both at home and abroad.
In recent days, the Palestinian health ministry has released chilling estimates, with malnutrition now being counted as a direct cause of death in Gaza. According to the latest figures, 9 are perishing of malnutrition every day, bringing the total deaths due to malnutrition to 339. As the appalling humanitarian situation still weighs heavily upon Israeli decision makers while they still discuss military policy, the humanitarian crisis remains far from over.
