After frustrating the negotiations for a truce, the pro-Iranian militias seek
Israel has announced a new phase in its offensive in the Gaza Strip with the approval, by the Security Cabinet, of a military plan targeting the complete capture of the main urban center of the enclave by its defense forces. This initiative, backed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is aimed at defeating Hamas, securing the return of hostages, and establishing an alternative civil administration in Gaza that excludes both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
Netanyahu stated Israel does not aim to maintain permanent control over the enclave. Instead, the focus is on creating a “Security perimeter” and transferring administration to Arab forces that pose no threat. In an interview with Fox News, he emphasized, “That is not possible with Hamas“, clarifying his government’s refusal to consider a political future for the Islamist group.
This military plan arises despite internal opposition; Israeli media reports indicate that Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir opposed the full occupation of Gaza due to the considerable risks it poses for both hostages and civilians.
In Gaza, the civilian population faces increasingly dire circumstances. According to the World Health Organization, at least 99 individuals have died this year from malnutrition-related causes, with estimates suggesting the real figure may be higher. Humanitarian aid access remains drastically insufficient: the United Nations estimates that approximately 600 trucks are needed daily to meet the basic needs of 2.2 million inhabitants, yet only 70 to 80 trucks with limited loads currently manage to enter.
Then live coverage:
The Hamas terrorist group threatened Israel after the announcement of the total offensive on Gaza: “It is to sacrifice the hostages”
Hamas has criticized the Israeli government’s plan for total control over Gaza City as a “new war crime” and warned that “the operation will cost you very dearly“. The group proclaimed, “It is to sacrifice hostages.”
Hamas proclaimed, “The approval by the Zionist Cabinet to occupy the city of Gaza and evacuate its residents constitutes a new war crime that the Occupation Army intends to commit.”
The group further stated: “We warn the criminal occupation that this adventure will cost you dearly and will not be an easy path.”
The German Chancellor announced that his country will suspend arms exports to Israel to avoid its use in Gaza
Germany will suspend the export of military equipment to Israel that could be utilized in the Gaza Strip, as declared by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in response to Israel’s plan for the total control of Gaza City.
Merz stated that it is “increasingly difficult to understand” how the Israeli military initiative would contribute to legitimate goals. He added: “In these circumstances, The German government will not authorize any export of military equipment that may be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice.”
Spain condemned Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza
Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares expressed a “strong condemnation” regarding the Israeli government’s decision to occupy Gaza City, emphasizing that such actions would only lead to greater destruction and suffering.
On social media, Albares criticized the proposed “escalation in military occupation” of Gaza, stressing that immediate ceasefire is urgent, along with “massive entry of humanitarian aid” and “the liberation of all hostages” held by Hamas.
He added that lasting peace in the region would only be achievable through a “two-state solution“, which includes the establishment of a “realistic and viable” Palestinian state.
The presidency of the Palestinian Authority condemned Netanyahu’s “dangerous” decision
The Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, expressed its “strong rejection and condemnation” of Netanyahu’s decision to proceed with the reoccupation of Gaza, deeming it a continuation of policies marked by genocide, systematic killings, famine, and a siege.
In a statement, the presidency responded to the Israeli government’s Security Cabinet’s approval of the ongoing offensive, stating this would push the already beleaguered population further south, away from the potential for safety.
The Abbas administration labeled the actions as a “flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and legitimacy” and warned of an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe looming ahead.
The Palestinian Football Association announced the death of former player Suleiman Al-Obeid
The Palestinian Football Association announced the tragic passing of former football star Suleiman al-Obeid, who lost his life due to Israeli gunfire while distributing humanitarian aid in southern Gaza on Wednesday.
Originally from Gaza City, the 41-year-old former player was married and the father of five children.
The association declared on its website, “The former national player and star of Khadamat al-Shati, Suleiman al-Obeid, has died from Israeli occupation fire directed at individuals awaiting humanitarian aid in the south of Gaza on Wednesday.”
Bezalel Smotrich: “The people of Israel are correcting the sin of Gaza”
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who is also part of the Ministry of Defense, asserted that plans are underway to restore former Israeli settlements such as Ganim and Kadim, located in the northern West Bank, both of which were evacuated as part of the 2005 disengagement.
In statements made to the newspaper Offak, he expressed hope to see these plans “in the coming weeks“, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the withdrawal from Gaza and four settlements in the West Bank.
According to Smotrich, “The people of Israel are correcting the sin of Gaza“, referring to initiatives by settlers to revive the settlement block Gush Katif. He added, “I hope we can also fully rectify the sin of northern Samaria.”
The Israeli army announced the destruction of launch bases and hiding places of the Hamas terrorist group in Gaza
Defense forces reported that it was operations coordinated by the Southern Command, Military Intelligence, and Shin Bet
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the successful destruction of several rocket launch sites and hideouts used by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, undertaken within the framework of coordinated operations by the Southern Command, Military Intelligence, and Shin Bet.
China expressed “serious concerns” about Israel’s plan about Gaza City
The government of China expressed “serious concerns” regarding Israel’s intentions to take control of Gaza City and urged an immediate cessation of military operations.
A spokesman for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory.” The statement calls upon Israel to “immediately cease its dangerous actions.”
Families of hostages warned that the escalation in the city of Gaza will lead to “a colossal catastrophe”
The Host and Missing Families Forum proclaimed on Friday that the Israeli security cabinet’s plans to take control of Gaza City “only place more in danger those who are still held in the Gaza tunnels.”
The organization, which represents the families of those kidnapped during the attacks of October 7, 2023, accused the cabinet of disregarding “repeated warnings from military leadership and the clear will of the majority of Israeli citizens.”
According to the forum, the decision places the hostages “at the mercy of Hamas.” They have been vocal about the urgency to rescue individuals like Evjatar David and Rom Bralavski, both still captives. Their commentary emphasized: “They don’t have time. We cannot leave them in the hands of these monsters for another minute.”
The forum called on the Israeli public to “stop this dangerous direction” and cautioned that the government is “leading us to a colossal catastrophe for hostages and our soldiers.” They concluded that “the cabinet has chosen to embark on another act of recklessness, sacrificing hostages, soldiers, and Israeli society overall. But it is not too late.”