The ongoing conflict has led to catastrophic humanitarian conditions, with massive displacement and food scarcity affecting millions.
**Israeli Security Cabinet Considers Full Occupation of Gaza Amid Humanitarian Crisis**
**Israeli Security Cabinet Considers Full Occupation of Gaza Amid Humanitarian Crisis**
As Israeli leaders debate a complete military takeover of Gaza, UN officials warn of dire consequences for civilians and hostages.
The Israeli security cabinet is set to convene on Thursday to deliberate a proposed strategy for a complete military occupation of the Gaza Strip, a move that international observers warn could result in devastating humanitarian repercussions. Israeli media reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu views this approach as essential to dismantling Hamas and rescuing hostages taken during the violent conflicts that escalated following a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. However, dissent has emerged within the cabinet, especially from military leaders who caution that such an aggressive tactic may severely endanger the lives of both hostages and Palestinian civilians.
Miroslav Jenča, a senior official from the United Nations, addressed the UN Security Council this week, labeling the full-scale occupation as a “deeply alarming” plan that would contravene international law. Currently, Israeli military forces have gained control of approximately three-quarters of Gaza, but this area has already suffered massive displacement of its population, a situation that may be exacerbated if further military action is taken.
The cabinet meeting is scheduled for 18:00 local time, and discussions are expected to revolve around the logistics that would require the deployment of tens of thousands of Israeli soldiers to achieve full control over Gaza City and its surrounding areas. Early reports suggest that residents would need to be relocated southward, while strategic military objectives would include critical refugee camps and areas believed to house hostages.
On the humanitarian front, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced plans for substantial enhancements to distribution sites managed by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Unfortunately, GHF has been criticized for its chaotic operations, forcing desperate Palestinians to undertake dangerous journeys for food. Since its establishment in May, there have been numerous fatalities at GHF locations, with the IDF denying direct attacks on civilians, arguing that military actions have been responses to perceived threats.
As the war continues to unfold, leading to unprecedented levels of mass deprivation and hunger in Gaza, Israeli military leadership has expressed concerns about the long-term implications of an occupation. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly discouraged full occupation during a recent dialogue with Netanyahu. Instead, he presented a tactical alternative focusing on encircling Hamas strongholds, which could minimize troop entrapment risks and protect hostages.
Despite these tensions, insider reports indicate that the security cabinet is poised to endorse Netanyahu's proposed strategy. Family members of hostages have expressed growing alarm, fearing that an extensive military campaign could lead to further harm to their loved ones in captivity.
The conflict, which has claimed around 61,158 Palestinian lives, according to local health authorities, started after an unprecedented attack by Hamas that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis. Negotiations for a ceasefire have stalled, leaving millions in a state of turmoil.
Miroslav Jenča, a senior official from the United Nations, addressed the UN Security Council this week, labeling the full-scale occupation as a “deeply alarming” plan that would contravene international law. Currently, Israeli military forces have gained control of approximately three-quarters of Gaza, but this area has already suffered massive displacement of its population, a situation that may be exacerbated if further military action is taken.
The cabinet meeting is scheduled for 18:00 local time, and discussions are expected to revolve around the logistics that would require the deployment of tens of thousands of Israeli soldiers to achieve full control over Gaza City and its surrounding areas. Early reports suggest that residents would need to be relocated southward, while strategic military objectives would include critical refugee camps and areas believed to house hostages.
On the humanitarian front, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced plans for substantial enhancements to distribution sites managed by the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Unfortunately, GHF has been criticized for its chaotic operations, forcing desperate Palestinians to undertake dangerous journeys for food. Since its establishment in May, there have been numerous fatalities at GHF locations, with the IDF denying direct attacks on civilians, arguing that military actions have been responses to perceived threats.
As the war continues to unfold, leading to unprecedented levels of mass deprivation and hunger in Gaza, Israeli military leadership has expressed concerns about the long-term implications of an occupation. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly discouraged full occupation during a recent dialogue with Netanyahu. Instead, he presented a tactical alternative focusing on encircling Hamas strongholds, which could minimize troop entrapment risks and protect hostages.
Despite these tensions, insider reports indicate that the security cabinet is poised to endorse Netanyahu's proposed strategy. Family members of hostages have expressed growing alarm, fearing that an extensive military campaign could lead to further harm to their loved ones in captivity.
The conflict, which has claimed around 61,158 Palestinian lives, according to local health authorities, started after an unprecedented attack by Hamas that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis. Negotiations for a ceasefire have stalled, leaving millions in a state of turmoil.
