Netanyahu Approves Gaza City Offensive Amid Hostage Negotiations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans for a military takeover of Gaza City while concurrently reopening negotiations with Hamas aimed at securing the release of remaining hostages and concluding the conflict on Israel’s terms. This large-scale operation could commence within days, pending final approval during a meeting with senior security officials.

Recent developments indicate that the military offensive against Hamas is set to expand despite ongoing protests both in Israel and within the Palestinian territories. Following a ceasefire proposal from Arab mediators, Hamas stated its willingness to halt hostilities, contingent upon Israel’s acceptance.

In preparation for the offensive, the Israeli military has begun contacting medical personnel and international organizations in the northern Gaza Strip, urging them to evacuate to safer areas in the south. The military intends to mobilize an additional 60,000 reservists and extend the service of 20,000 more active personnel. The escalation has already resulted in at least 36 Palestinian fatalities across Gaza on Thursday, according to local hospital reports.

This renewed offensive raises concerns about further casualties and displacement in a region that has already seen tens of thousands killed since the conflict’s onset. Many families in Israel express fears that the expanded military action could jeopardize the lives of the approximately 20 hostages still held by Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attacks that ignited the current war.

Israeli forces have initiated limited operations in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood and Jabaliya refugee camp, areas where they have previously engaged in significant military activities. The military’s strategy focuses on regions where ground troops have yet to enter, aiming to target locations where Hamas maintains both military capabilities and governance.

Despite the military’s claims of controlling around 75% of Gaza, there has been minimal evidence of mass Palestinian evacuations, contrasting with earlier flight patterns observed at the war’s beginning. Protests emerged in Gaza City on Thursday, with hundreds condemning the war and opposing Israel’s plans for mass relocation of Palestinians. Unlike past demonstrations, there was no vocal dissent against Hamas.

In Tel Aviv, families of some of the 50 hostages still in Gaza gathered to denounce the anticipated escalation. Dalia Cusnir, whose brother-in-law is among those captured, expressed grave concerns about the impact of military actions on the hostages’ fates: “Forty-two hostages were kidnapped alive and murdered in captivity due to military pressure and delay in signing a deal.”

International reaction to the proposed offensive has been marked by outrage, with many of Israel’s closest allies—excluding the United States—calling for a cessation of hostilities. Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, emphasized the necessity of an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages to prevent catastrophic consequences from a military assault on Gaza City.

The ongoing conflict has led to significant humanitarian crises. Reports from local hospitals indicate that at least 36 Palestinians lost their lives due to Israeli fire on Thursday, including individuals seeking humanitarian assistance. The Israeli military maintains that it targeted armed militants in the Morag Corridor, a contested area where humanitarian seekers have faced repeated violence.

The Media Freedom Coalition has urged Israel to grant independent news organizations access to Gaza, highlighting the crucial role of journalists in documenting the unfolding humanitarian crisis. Restrictions on the international press remain in place, contributing to a lack of comprehensive reporting on the situation.

In a concerning report, witnesses and health officials indicated that hundreds have died as they approached sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which has faced chaos during UN aid convoys that are frequently attacked. The Israeli military asserts that it has only issued warning shots to deter individuals approaching its forces. However, the GHF reports that its contractors have exercised restraint, using pepper spray only in extreme situations to manage crowd control.

The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with air strikes recently destroying a tent camp in Deir al-Balah, one of the few areas that had remained relatively unscathed. Residents described receiving only a brief warning before the strikes began, leaving many to sift through ashes for any belongings they could salvage. Mohammad Kahlout, a displaced resident, lamented the continued suffering of civilians: “We are civilians, not terrorists. What did we do, and what did our children do, to be displaced again?”

As the situation unfolds, the international community watches closely, with additional protests planned in Tel Aviv, reflecting the growing public concern over the humanitarian implications of the ongoing military operations.