Israel Considers Full Occupation of Gaza Amidst Humanitarian Crisis and International Pressure
Israel’s military currently asserts operational control over 75% of the Gaza Strip, though, a newly proposed plan suggests a full occupation of the territory, where over two million Palestinians are currently concentrated. The implications of such a move for civilians and the operations of aid organizations, including the UN, remain unclear.
The situation is compounded by widespread displacement; approximately 90% of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents have been displaced, often multiple times, and are now living in severely overcrowded and deteriorating conditions. Humanitarian organizations and UN officials report widespread starvation, alleging that Israel is hindering the delivery of essential aid.
The Israeli military has previously refrained from entering certain areas, particularly in central Gaza, due to concerns about the presence of hostages. Last year, six Israeli hostages were executed by their captors following Israeli ground operations.
The Palestinian Authority, governing parts of the occupied West Bank, has formally denounced the Israeli proposal, appealing to the international community for intervention to prevent further military occupation. Palestinian officials highlight that far-right Israeli ministers have publicly advocated for the complete occupation and annexation of Gaza, with the ultimate goal of establishing new Jewish settlements.
While Israel dismantled its settlements in gaza and withdrew its forces in 2005, it, alongside Egypt, has maintained strict control over access to the territory.
This consideration of a full occupation occurs as international efforts to revive the two-state solution – a long-standing framework for resolving the Israel-Palestinian conflict – gain momentum. This solution envisions an self-reliant Palestinian state alongside Israel in the West bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital.Recently, the UK and Canada joined France in announcing conditional plans for recognizing a Palestinian state.
Israeli Prime minister Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with key ministers and military leaders to determine the next course of action in Gaza. Israeli army radio reports that initial army plans involve surrounding central refugee camps and conducting air strikes and ground raids. A full security cabinet meeting is also planned this week.
Israeli media commentators have expressed skepticism, pointing to the notable military, political, and diplomatic challenges. Nahum Barnea, writing in yedioth Ahronoth, described the proposal as the largest gamble Netanyahu has ever taken. He further noted that, despite repeated vows to achieve all war goals, Netanyahu’s promises are increasingly viewed with doubt, suggesting the primary objective may be to prolong the conflict.
Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza in response to the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 hostages. Since then, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports at least 61,020 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces.
