Israel’s Military Locks In Bold New Blueprint for Gaza Offensive
Israel Seeks to Expand Offensive in Gaza City Amid Intensified Bombardment
In a bold move, the Israeli military has formally approved a comprehensive operational framework aimed at a new offensive in the Gaza Strip. The plan, announced by Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, follows weeks of escalating ground incursions in Gaza City, where Hamas has denounced the attacks as “aggressive” and warned of a scorched‑earth strategy.
Context of the Conflict
- The Israeli security cabinet has called for the seizure of Gaza’s largest city, marking a deepening of military operations after 22 months of war.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has yet to publish a timetable for the entry of Israeli troops into Gaza City, where thousands have taken refuge after earlier offensives.
- Hamas has condemned the occupation forces as continuing to carry out “aggressive incursions,” a statement echoed by Ismail Al‑Thawabta, director general of the Hamas media office.
Humanitarian Toll and Media Accounts
According to Gaza’s civil defence agency, Israeli air strikes on Gaza City have intensified in recent days, targeting residential neighbourhoods of Zeitoun and Sabra.
- Agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal reported that at least 35 people were killed across Gaza on Wednesday.
- AFP footage captured Palestinians fleeing Israeli strikes in Zeitoun and Asqoola, using overloaded carts, vans, and bikes.
- Displaced Palestinian Fidaa Saad expressed the desperation of the situation, noting that “we have just escaped death and now we’re running away, and we don’t know where to go.”
Diplomatic Efforts and International Reactions
Egypt has been working with Qatar and the United States to broker a 60‑day truce, including the release of hostages and the flow of humanitarian aid without restrictions. A senior delegation from Hamas arrived in Cairo for preliminary talks with Egyptian officials.
Israel’s plans to expand the Gaza war have sparked international outcry as well as domestic opposition. Reserve and retired pilots rallied in Tel Aviv to demand an end to the conflict, emphasizing the “death of hostages, Israeli soldiers, and many innocent Palestinians.”
UN‑Backed Famine Warning
UN‑backed experts have warned of widespread famine unfolding in the territory, where Israel has drastically curtailed the amount of humanitarian aid it allows in. The health ministry in Hamas‑run Gaza reports at least 235 people, including 106 children, have died of hunger since the war began.
Netanyahu has revived calls to “allow” Palestinians to leave Gaza, stating, “We are not pushing them out, but we are allowing them to leave.” However, past calls about resettling Gazans outside of the war‑battered territory have raised concerns among Palestinians and condemnation from the international community.
Key Figures
- 1,219 people killed in the Hamas attack on Israel that triggered the war.
- 251 hostages were taken; 49 remain in Gaza, with 27 reportedly dead.
- At least 61,722 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive according to Gaza’s health ministry—viewed by the United Nations as reliable data.
As the situation evolves, the global community watches closely, balancing military objectives against escalating humanitarian crises and diplomatic stalemates.
