Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given the green light for the seizure of Gaza City, despite ongoing ceasefire talks aimed at resolving the nearly two-year-old war with Hamas. Netanyahu, while speaking to soldiers near Gaza, confirmed his intent to approve the wide-scale operation to take control of Gaza City, which would lead to the forced displacement of nearly 1 million Palestinians and the systematic demolition of homes in the densely populated region.
At the same time, Netanyahu announced that negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages and an end to the war would resume, but only on terms acceptable to Israel. “We are in the decision-making phase,” Netanyahu said, referring to the operation set to begin soon after a final meeting with senior security officials. Israeli forces have already escalated attacks on Gaza City, and thousands of Palestinians have been forced to leave their homes as Israeli tanks move closer to the area.
The timing of Netanyahu’s announcement comes amidst a ceasefire proposal from Hamas, which was mediated by Qatar and Egypt. The proposal, which includes a 60-day ceasefire and the release of both captives and bodies, has yet to be accepted by Israel. Should the ceasefire take place, the proposal also calls for the exchange of 200 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
However, Israeli forces are expected to call up 60,000 reservists and extend the service of another 20,000 soldiers, with military operations in Gaza continuing. Netanyahu’s remarks about restarting negotiations under these conditions have been described by political analysts as “negotiation under fire,” as Israeli military actions intensify.
Marwan Bishara, Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst, argued that Israel is dictating the terms of negotiations while continuing its military assault on Gaza. “There will be no stoppage of the fighting. Hamas is going to have to make up its mind as Israel kills dozens, perhaps hundreds, of Palestinians moving forward,” Bishara said, referring to the ongoing destruction and displacement in Gaza.
In recent Israeli air attacks, at least 48 Palestinians were killed, including 16 people seeking aid at distribution points. The ongoing conflict has also exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the Health Ministry reported that two more people died from starvation in the past 24 hours. Since the start of the war, 271 Palestinians, including 112 children, have died from hunger.
The United Nations has warned that the situation in Gaza is worsening, with 90 percent of Gaza’s residents displaced and shelters deteriorating. The Palestinian Ministry of Health condemned Israel’s plans for Gaza City, calling it a “death sentence” for the more than one million residents.
Local residents, including those who have fled Gaza City for southern parts of the enclave, are facing a heartbreaking decision of whether to remain or leave amid the chaos. “We are facing a bitter situation, to die at home or leave and die somewhere else,” said Rabah Abu Elias, a displaced resident.
Israeli airstrikes also destroyed a tent camp in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, where many displaced people had sought refuge. Residents reported that they were given only five minutes to gather their belongings before the camp was set ablaze.
As the conflict continues, the international community watches closely, with growing concern for the lives of civilians caught in the crossfire.
Image Source: Dawoud Abu Alkas/Reuters
