Israel is gearing up for a major ground operation in Gaza City that senior security sources say will stretch at least six months. The move follows Saturday’s approval of the plan by the Israeli security cabinet, signaling a new phase in the long-running conflict.
Under the plan, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) aims to evacuate more than 800,000 residents from Gaza City to the Al-Mawasi 'humanitarian zone' in southern Gaza within two weeks. In roughly one month, a reserve division is set to join the five active divisions currently deployed in the Gaza Strip, paving the way for an intense ground offensive in about two months.
To ease civilian suffering, Israel intends to boost daily humanitarian aid deliveries from around 300 trucks to 1,200 trucks per day. Yet critics warn the scale-up in military operations may undo any progress on relief and deepen the humanitarian crisis.
Inside Israel, the plan has met with strong objections from military leaders and families of hostages held in Gaza, who fear an expanded operation could endanger more civilians and stall hostage negotiations. International voices have also weighed in, calling the proposed action a violation of international law that could undermine efforts toward a ceasefire.
Protests have erupted both at home and abroad. On Saturday evening, thousands gathered at Tel Aviv’s 'Hostages Square,' demanding an end to hostilities and the release of captured Israelis. In Turkiye, crowds in Istanbul’s Beyazit Square chanted 'Murderer Israel, get out of Palestine,' while waving banners accusing Israel of using starvation as a weapon.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, speaking with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, condemned the plan as 'absolutely unacceptable.' Erdogan reaffirmed Turkiye’s support for Palestine, welcomed growing calls across Europe for Palestinian statehood, and noted the mounting criticism of Israel in Western capitals.
With tensions rising and humanitarian concerns mounting, the next few months will be a critical test of the international community’s ability to balance security objectives with the urgent need to protect civilians in Gaza City.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
