Israel has announced plans to enhance its military operations, indicating a move to seize “large areas” of the Gaza Strip, where recent strikes have tragically resulted in the deaths of 34 individuals, including casualties at a UN facility. As Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, stated, the objective is to “destroy and clear the area of terrorists and terrorist infrastructure.”
While details about the specific territories to be seized remain unspecified, Katz emphasized that these areas would become part of Israeli security zones. In a recent statement, he noted, “We must act decisively to ensure our safety and security.”
The civil defense agency in Gaza reported that among the casualties, at least 19 individuals were killed in an Israeli strike targeting a UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency) building within the Jabalia refugee camp, which housed a medical clinic. This incident has drawn severe condemnation from the Palestinian foreign ministry, based in the occupied West Bank. They described the strike as a “massacre at the UNRWA clinic in Jabalia” and urged for “serious international pressure” to cease Israel’s expanding military offensives.
It’s notable that similar attacks on UN facilities housing displaced persons in Gaza have occurred routinely over the past 18 months, as conflict continues to escalate. The Israeli military has accused Hamas of utilizing school buildings as hiding places for weaponry, prompting deep-seated tensions with Palestinian groups who vehemently deny these assertions.
Recent air strikes carried out by Israel have resulted in significant civilian casualties, with at least 13 fatalities in Khan Yunis and two more in the Nuseirat refugee camp reported by Gaza’s civil defense following dawn strikes. Katz had previously warned that military operations would soon escalate in various Gaza areas.
In February, he discussed ambitions for an agency to oversee the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians from the region, following Israel’s support for a controversial proposal by former US President Donald Trump to have the United States take control of the area after relocating its population of 2.4 million Palestinians. Such proposals have drawn widespread outrage across Gaza and internationally.
Intensifying operations were resumed by Israel on March 18 after a near two-month halt in hostilities, marking a troubling escalation of violence. Reports indicate that since then, over 1,042 individuals have lost their lives, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
With hunger emerging as a serious concern in Gaza City, bakeries have shuttered due to a critical shortage of flour and sugar following Israel’s blockade of aid supplies starting March 2. Local resident Amina al-Sayed expressed her frustration, stating, “I’ve visited several bakeries this morning, but they are all closed.”
On Sunday, Prime Minister Netanyahu extended an offer for Hamas leaders to leave Gaza, demanding, however, that they disarm. While Hamas has indicated a willingness to relinquish power, they have firmly labeled disarmament as a “red line.” Meanwhile, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are making diplomatic efforts to broker an additional ceasefire and facilitate the release of remaining hostages.
As tensions rise further, Netanyahu’s government remains under scrutiny, with some Israelis concerned about the safety of hostages held by Hamas. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum voiced their apprehension, questioning whether the military’s territorial ambitions jeopardize the lives of those still captured. Their poignant question resonates deeply: “Has it been decided to sacrifice the hostages for the sake of territorial gains?”
As various narratives unfold, the need for a comprehensive dialogue to seek resolution is more pressing than ever. In the words of Netanyahu, “We are negotiating under fire… We can see cracks beginning to appear” in Hamas’s positions, signaling a potential path forward, albeit fraught with challenges.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
