Tel Aviv (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On Wednesday, the Israeli military reported that the military chief of staff has authorised the “framework” for a new IDF offensive in Gaza under the instruction of the security cabinet’s proposal to take Gaza City.
The chief of the Israeli Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, approved the main design of the IDF operational plan in the Gaza Strip, according to a statement from the Israeli army.
What does Israel’s new Gaza offensive framework involve?
Recently, the Israeli security cabinet has approved a new military operation that aims to expand operations to take total control of Gaza City, as part of a more extensive plan that entails controlling much of Gaza in the future.
As reported, likely, the plan would also require the transfer of up to a million people from Gaza City to approximately geographically designated “humanitarian zones” and a siege on Hamas militants in Gaza City, with an explicit timeline possibly targeting October 7, 2025, the second anniversary of the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s government has not specified exactly when Israeli forces will move into the country’s largest city, where thousands have sought refuge after escaping earlier attacks.
Gaza’s civil defence agency reported that Israeli air strikes on Gaza City have increased recently, with residential areas like Zeitoun and Sabra being hit “with very heavy air strikes targeting civilian homes, possibly including high-rise buildings.”
Can Cairo talks lead to a 60-day ceasefire?
The military’s approval of the plan was announced hours after Hamas reported that a senior delegation had arrived in Cairo for “preliminary talks” with Egyptian officials regarding a temporary truce.
As reported, the talks are progressing toward a temporary truce, and perhaps a 60-day ceasefire, to end hostilities and allow humanitarian assistance to flow into the Gaza Strip. Khalil Al-Hayya is leading the delegation.
Why is Netanyahu facing criticism over the Gaza plan?
The Netanyahu government’s intention to broaden the Gaza conflict after over 22 months of violence has provoked both international criticism and domestic dissent. Experts backed by the UN have warned of an impending widespread famine in the region, where Israel has significantly reduced the humanitarian aid it permits.
Moreover, families of Israeli hostages detained by Hamas have expressed fury at the plan, fearing it will likely lead to the deaths of their loved ones due to escalated violence and military operations in Gaza City.
