Israel plans wide-scale operation in Gaza, PM Netanyahu offers evac of civilians; major, likely offensive planned if no hostage deal/ceasefire by mid-May.
Israel is planning a new operation in Gaza if there is no hostage deal by May 15. Netanyahu has agreed to civilian responsese and evacs and talked about ongoing long-term military presence if Hamas does not transfer hostages. Buildup has taken place over the last week, tactics are being sharpened, etc. Likely response to growing international condemnation of war, Hamas resistance, etc.
In a major political and military development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has laid out a new strategy for Gaza amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. Here’s a point-wise breakdown of the full update:
Israel Sets May 15 Deadline for Hostage Deal
- Israeli officials have declared a May 15 deadline for a possible hostage exchange agreement with Hamas.
- If an agreement is not brokered, Israel will commence a ground operation in Rafah, which is the last area of Gaza still controlled by Hamas.
- Rafah currently has over 1 million displaced Palestinians.
Netanyahu Fully Endorsed a Civilian Evacuation
- Prime Minister Netanyahu has given his agreement or endorsement of an evacuation plan for civilian residents of Rafah.
- Israel’s war cabinet claims the military has a plan to evacuate civilians before an offensive.
- The details have not been made public, and other international agencies have stated evacuation will present logistical and humanitarian challenges.
Israel Suggests It May Not Leave Gaza
- Netanyahu has suggested Israel may retain an indefinite military presence in Gaza, even post-war.
- Netanyahu stated, “Israel will remain in Gaza as long as it takes,” so that Hamas cannot recover.
- This is in direct contrast to U.S. policy, which does not support the long-term Israeli military presence in Gaza.
Increasing Stress Between U.S. and Israel
- The Biden administration advised Israel to terminate the intended Rafah operation due to the sale of humanitarian supplies.
- U.S. officials are seeking a hostage deal and a ceasefire before any added military escalation.
- Netanyahu has denied international wishes and declared he shall act in Israel’s security interests.
Hamas Requires Israeli Pullout First
- Hamas still insists on an Israeli pullout from Gaza before it will consider agreeing to the terms of releasing hostages.
- Hamas’ demands have stalled ceasefire negotiations, even though Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. are acting as negotiators.
Netanyahu Is Under Domestic and International Pressure
- Netanyahu faces pressure from families of Israeli hostages to have the government focus on negotiations.
- On the other hand, far-right elements of his coalition are calling for tougher action against Hamas.
- An increasing number of countries are joining the international chorus, pressuring Israel as the death toll of Palestinian civilians rises and humanitarian needs expand in Gaza.
Death Toll and Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
- According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 34,000 Palestinians have died since October 2023.
- There is a critical lack of food, medicine, and shelter in the region, and the Un and WHO flagged a crisis situation.
Netanyahu Warns of Long-Term Fallout
- Netanyahu warned that if a deal was not made by the deadline, Israel would proceed “with or without international backing“.
- He also said the operation would guarantee Israel’s future security and complete the defeat of Hamas.
Gaza Enclave Might Become an Israeli-Controlled Buffer Zone
- Analysts are suggesting that Israel may wish to create a “buffer zone” with military control over some of southern Gaza.
- This would be a major shift in the dynamics of the region and potentially impact peace processes for years.
As time ticks away in a world of severe deadlines and no deals being cut, there is an intense global watch on what might be the next step in the Gaza conflict. Is national security the only concern for Netanyahu? The costs are adding up on the humanitarian front as global powers and stakeholders anxiously wait.