UPDATE: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly leaning towards a full military takeover of the Gaza Strip, as he meets with senior security officials to finalize strategies in the ongoing conflict. This consideration comes amid mounting international pressure for a ceasefire and growing humanitarian crises in Gaza.
In a statement issued by his office, Netanyahu held a “limited security discussion” lasting approximately three hours, where Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir presented options for continuing military operations in Gaza. Recent reports indicate that Israel Katz, the Defence Minister, and Ron Dermer, a close confidant of Netanyahu, are also involved in shaping this critical strategy.
As the humanitarian situation deteriorates, the Gaza Health Ministry reported a harrowing increase in casualties, with another eight people dying from starvation or malnutrition in the last 24 hours. This follows the death of 79 individuals due to Israeli airstrikes, raising the total death toll to over 61,000 since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023.
Netanyahu has emphasized the need to “defeat the enemy in Gaza,” release hostages, and ensure Gaza never poses a threat to Israel again. He stated, “We are not giving up on any of these missions,” during a visit to a military base, reinforcing the urgency of the situation.
An Israeli official shared with Reuters that the suggestion of a full takeover could serve as a tactic to pressure Hamas into making concessions. Meanwhile, a video released by Hamas showing hostages, including Evyatar David, in dire conditions has sparked outrage and added to the international calls for immediate intervention.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has urged foreign nations to treat the reports of a potential military takeover seriously, warning that it could exacerbate the already critical humanitarian crisis. “These leaks must be taken with utmost seriousness to prevent their implementation,” the ministry stated.
The ongoing war, which began with a Hamas-led assault resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths, has led to devastating consequences. The conflict has displaced nearly all of Gaza’s two million residents and created what a global hunger monitor has described as an unfolding famine, with 188 Palestinians reportedly dying from hunger since the outbreak of hostilities.
On the ground, Israeli tanks have pushed into central Gaza, raising concerns among residents about the implications of a larger offensive. A local merchant voiced the fears of many, stating, “If the tanks pushed through, where would we go, into the sea? This will be like a death sentence to the entire population.”
As international reactions unfold, the world watches closely for developments in this urgent situation, where any decision could lead to dramatic shifts in the ongoing conflict. The coming days will be crucial as Netanyahu and his cabinet deliberate on their next steps in Gaza, amid a backdrop of escalating humanitarian needs and rising tensions.
