Israel reportedly mulls military occupation of Gaza City
Smoke rises from destroyed and heavily damaged residential areas in Gaza City following Israeli attacks, as seen from Israel's Sderot and Kfar Aza on December 17, 2024. (AA Photo)
The Israeli government is reportedly considering ordering its army to occupy Gaza City, local media reported Wednesday.
Israeli Channel 14 stated that the potential move follows a deadlock in indirect negotiations aimed at securing a cease-fire and a prisoner swap deal with Palestinians.
According to the broadcaster, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is “satisfied” with the progress of its military campaign in northern Gaza.
Israel has maintained a large-scale ground offensive in northern Gaza since Oct. 5, allegedly to prevent the Palestinian resistance group Hamas from regrouping. Palestinians, however, accuse Israel of seeking to occupy the area and forcibly displace its residents.
“The political echelon is considering issuing an order to the Israeli army to head south and occupy Gaza City in the near future,” the channel said.
“Such an operation is possible now, especially with the cease-fire in Lebanon and the availability of more army forces to carry out large-scale and prolonged maneuvers.”
Israel threatens to increase strikes
Meanwhile, Israel threatened Wednesday it will escalate its strikes in Gaza if Hamas continues launching rockets. This warning came after Palestinian rescuers reported dozens of deaths from Israeli airstrikes on January 1.
Over the past week, Hamas have been repeatedly firing rockets, mainly from northern Gaza, where Israel has been conducting a major military operation.
Mediation efforts by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar to negotiate a cease-fire in Gaza have stalled due to Netanyahu’s refusal to halt the war.
The Israeli army has continued its devastating campaign in Gaza, which has claimed the lives of more than 45,500 victims, mostly women and children, since the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023. This persists despite a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.
