Israel's Security Cabinet Approves Expanded Military Operations in Gaza Amid Humanitarian Crisis
In a significant decision overnight, Israel's security cabinet has approved an expansion of military operations in Gaza alongside a controversial plan to resume humanitarian aid that has been severely restricted since March 2. This move comes as pressures mount on Hamas to agree to a ceasefire amidst ongoing hostilities that have claimed over 52,200 lives in the enclave since October 2023, according to national press reports.
Israel Hayom reports that the strategy aims to incrementally heighten military pressure on the region while simultaneously attempting to reinstate humanitarian access that had been cut off, which has led to dire circumstances for the local population. Gazans are reportedly facing critical shortages of food, medicine, and essential supplies as Israel continues its operations against Hamas.
The cabinet's approval includes plans to occupy more territories within Gaza and to push displaced populations southward, where the military already holds significant control over the land. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized this shift in tactics as moving from incursions to a more permanent military presence in specific areas. He emphasized that the change is designed to bolster Israel's security strategy amid dissent within the cabinet regarding military operations and the resumption of humanitarian assistance.
Reports from Yediot Ahronot suggest that there is a growing divide among cabinet members, particularly between ultranationalist factions and military leadership. For instance, Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir has openly opposed the introduction of humanitarian aid, suggesting instead that food supply warehouses belonging to Hamas should be targeted. This perspective has sparked heated arguments within the cabinet, including a pointed exchange with Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir, who warned that starving the region could exacerbate the dangers faced by Israel.
The World Health Organization has indicated that between 10,500 and 12,500 individuals in Gaza urgently require medical treatment that remains inaccessible due to ongoing Israeli offensives and blockades against health facilities. The situation has become increasingly dire, with authorities in Gaza reporting that malnutrition and starvation have resulted in the deaths of at least 54 individuals, predominantly children, since the onset of the Israeli offensive.
As the blockade continues, the quantity of aid reaching Gaza has dwindled significantly. Previously, UNRWA assessed that about 500 trucks would enter the region daily before the conflict escalated to its current state; however, this figure has dropped to approximately 92 trucks daily.
Critics of the government, including Yair Golan from the progressive party Los Demócratas, are condemning the cabinet's decisions, labeling the military expansion as an effort to rescue Netanyahu's embattled administration rather than a legitimate attempt to ensure Israeli security.
As tensions persist and humanitarian conditions worsen, the international community watches keenly, calling for urgent measures to alleviate the suffering of those trapped in Gaza and seeking a path towards sustainable peace.
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