URGENT UPDATE: The Israeli military has just issued new forced displacement orders for parts of Gaza City and Khan Younis, igniting fears that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is preparing for a full occupation of the Palestinian territory this week. This alarming development follows a pattern of enforced displacements that have seen the vast majority of Gaza’s population uprooted multiple times.
The latest orders, described as an “evacuation” by the Israeli Defense Forces, come amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Many residents are returning to find their homes damaged or looted. The situation worsened as Gaza’s health ministry reported that five people have died from starvation due to a severe blockade on aid imposed by Israel earlier this year.
In a statement that underscores the tension, U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that decisions regarding Israel’s control over Gaza are ultimately up to Israel, adding to the urgency of the situation.
Tragically, the humanitarian conditions in Gaza are dire. An aid convoy of 30 trucks from Jordan was attacked by militant Jewish settlers upon entering Israel, raising alarms about the security of aid operations. Jordanian government spokesperson Mohammad al-Momani condemned the attacks, calling for serious Israeli intervention to protect aid convoys.
As chaos envelops Gaza, the coast has seen at least 20 fatalities when an aid truck overturned on a crowd waiting for assistance near the Nuseirat refugee camp. This incident highlights the desperate conditions on the ground, where civilians are caught in the crossfire of ongoing military operations.
The Israeli media reports that Netanyahu is determined to expand military efforts following consultations with military leaders. This push for full occupation is met with increasing dissent from former security officials, including Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid, who stated, “You don’t make such a move if a majority of the people aren’t with you.”
Critics warn that a full occupation could jeopardize the lives of Israeli hostages in Gaza and may take years to accomplish, further isolating Israel diplomatically as global outrage grows over its actions.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz addressed concerns regarding military leadership, stating on X that the army would implement government decisions, despite reported opposition from the army’s chief of staff, Eyal Zamir. Katz emphasized that the military would execute orders with “determination and professionalism.”
Zamir has reportedly expressed concerns during closed-door meetings, warning that a full military occupation could be a “trap.” Meanwhile, the health ministry in Gaza has reported that at least 135 Palestinians have been killed, including 87 aid seekers, in attacks over the past 24 hours, intensifying the urgency of the crisis.
As these developments unfold, the international community watches closely, concerned about the humanitarian impact and the potential for escalating violence in the region. Stay tuned for further updates on this evolving situation.
