The Israeli cabinet is poised to approve a plan for the complete occupation of the Gaza Strip on Thursday, despite military hesitations regarding the potential consequences of such an action.
Why it matters:
After nearly two years of war and genocide against the defenseless people of Gaza, Netanyahu has still been unable to achieve victory over this small, besieged area and Hamas. Now, he intends to escalate various crimes and the blockade of food and medicine, aiming for a full occupation of the region. The potential for increased violence also raises concerns about the safety of Israeli prisoners in Gaza.
The big picture:
Negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of prisoners have reached a deadlock. During the course of the Gaza War, Israel has killed nearly 61,000 Palestinians and created severe humanitarian crises by imposing a blockade and denying humanitarian aid.
What he is saying:
Haaretz quoted Israeli army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir as warning that expanding the war in Gaza would make it more difficult to determine the locations of prisoners. Military and security commanders reportedly stated that any operation in areas suspected of holding prisoners is likely to result in their deaths.
Key points:
- The Israeli cabinet is set to vote on Thursday on the full occupation of Gaza.
- Military leaders oppose the move, citing concern for hostage safety.
- Commanders stress that a ground occupation would require pulling forces from other fronts and mobilizing tens of thousands of reservists.
Go deeper:
Haaretz reports that opposition to the plan within the military stems from operational fatigue and concerns over long-term consequences. Senior defense officials have emphasized the strain on reserve forces and the strategic risks of stretching the military across multiple fronts.
