On August 8, Israel’s security cabinet greenlit Prime Minister Netanyahu’s strategy to “defeat Hamas” by seizing Gaza City while steering humanitarian aid to zones outside the fighting areas. 📅
Gone is the talk of fully occupying the entire Gaza Strip. Instead, this plan zeroes in on Gaza City—a shift driven by tough battlefield realities, domestic politics, and rising global pressure.
Here are the five core goals:
- 🛡️ Disarm Hamas fighters
- 🆓 Free Israeli hostages
- 🚫 Demilitarize Gaza
- 🔒 Maintain Israeli security oversight
- 🏛️ Set up a temporary civilian administration
Yet Gaza’s Health Ministry reports a dire humanitarian crisis: over 61,000 lives lost, 90% of the 2.1 million residents displaced, and famine warnings sounding alarm bells. 🌾🚨
Hamas criticized the move, fearing for the roughly 50 hostages still held and accusing Netanyahu of political brinkmanship. Meanwhile, Arab neighbours like Jordan and Saudi Arabia insist Gaza’s future should be in the hands of legitimate Palestinian institutions. 🤝
On the global stage, UN officials warn of “catastrophic consequences,” Germany has paused arms exports, and the UK calls the plan counterproductive. Even the US adopts a cautious stance, highlighting the massive civilian toll. 🌍
With no clear roadmap to lasting peace and humanitarian alarms peaking, this recalibrated approach could shape a tense new chapter in the Gaza saga. Stay tuned! ✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
