Gaza – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has authorized expanded military operations in Rafah, despite international warnings and ongoing hostage negotiations, signaling a potential escalation of teh conflict in Gaza.the move comes amid growing concerns over a worsening humanitarian crisis and accusations of deliberate starvation tactics.
Netanyahu’s declaration, made during a speech on Sunday, defied calls for a ceasefire and followed pressure from far-right members of his coalition, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who had previously threatened to withdraw from the government if more aggressive military policies weren’t pursued. Smotrich has been a vocal opponent of ceasefire negotiations and advocate for harsher measures against Hamas.
European nations – Denmark,France,Greece,Slovenia,and the United Kingdom – issued a joint statement condemning the Israeli plan,warning that expanded military operations would endanger civilians,including the remaining hostages,and exacerbate suffering. The statement emphasized the “manmade” nature of the crisis and called for urgent action to address starvation and increase aid delivery to Gaza.
The United States, while publicly stating it would be “up to them” regarding an Israeli takeover of Gaza, according to former President Donald Trump, is reportedly expressing impatience wiht Israel’s assessment of the humanitarian situation. A regional diplomat indicated that Trump has challenged Israel’s claims that the situation is under control,particularly as starvation-related deaths increase after five months of Israeli restrictions on access to the territory.
Netanyahu dismissed reports of starvation as a “fake” Hamas campaign, a claim contradicted by mounting evidence. According to the Gaza health Ministry, five people, including a child, died from hunger and malnutrition in the 24 hours leading up to Monday, bringing the total number of starvation-related deaths to 222, with 101 of those fatalities being children. These deaths are concentrated in Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, where over 1.4 million Palestinians, manny displaced from other parts of the territory, are sheltering in overcrowded conditions.
The ongoing restrictions on aid delivery are a key factor in the escalating crisis. Reports from organizations like Madamasr indicate that aid trucks are being deliberately rerouted or targeted, preventing supplies from reaching warehouses and ultimately, the population. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report released in March 2024, projects that without a meaningful increase in aid, the entire population of Gaza (approximately 2.2 million people) will be experiencing catastrophic levels of food insecurity (IPC Phase 5) by May 2024. The report specifically cites Israeli restrictions as a major impediment to aid access.
Background: The Gaza Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis
The current conflict began on October 7, 2023, following a Hamas attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of over 240 hostages. Israel responded with a sustained military campaign in gaza, including extensive airstrikes and a ground invasion. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians in Gaza,according to the Gaza Health Ministry,and widespread destruction of infrastructure.
The blockade of Gaza, initially imposed by Israel and Egypt in 2007 following Hamas’s takeover of the territory, has severely restricted the movement of people and goods, contributing to chronic economic hardship and dependence on humanitarian aid. The current conflict has dramatically worsened the humanitarian situation, with widespread shortages of food, water, medicine, and fuel. The UN and numerous international organizations have repeatedly called for an end to the blockade and for increased access for humanitarian aid.
Key Figures:
- Benjamin Netanyahu: Prime Minister of Israel
- Bezalel Smotrich: Israeli finance Minister
- Donald Trump: Former President of the United States
Locations:
- Rafah: Southernmost city in Gaza, currently sheltering over 1.4 million displaced Palestinians.
- Gaza Strip: Palestinian territory under blockade, experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis.
