In a major development, Israel has announced its long-term goal to cut all ties with the Gaza Strip after the defeat of Hamas. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that once Hamas is defeated, Israel would no longer take responsibility for the well-being of the Gaza Strip. This announcement comes as Israel continues its military operations against Gaza and aids remains blocked on the border with Egypt. The conflict started after the Hamas gunmen attacked Israel on 7 October, resulting in heavy casualties and hostages. Israel is now preparing for a ground offensive, with the first stage aimed at destroying Hamas’s infrastructure.
Mr. Gallant has outlined a three-phase plan for the operation. The initial phase is focused on destroying Hamas’s infrastructure, followed by operations at lower intensity to eliminate pockets of resistance. The final phase involves Israel relinquishing its responsibility for life in the Gaza Strip and establishing a new security reality for its citizens. However, it is important to note that despite Israel’s withdrawal in 2005, the United Nations still considers the Gaza Strip, along with the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as occupied land, and therefore, expects Israel to fulfill the basic needs of Gaza’s population.
In the past, Israel has facilitated Gazans to cross the border for work and monitored imports into the territory to prevent weapons from reaching Hamas. However, following the recent attacks, Israel has cut off electricity supplies, along with deliveries of food and medicines, exacerbating the already dire situation in Gaza. The United Nations has described the situation as “beyond catastrophic” and called for immediate humanitarian aid.
To address the crisis, the United States and Egypt have reached a deal to allow some supplies into Gaza, starting with an initial convoy of 20 trucks. However, this aid is still stuck on the Egyptian side of the border, and humanitarian organizations argue that much more assistance is needed. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres visited the border crossing to emphasize the urgency of allowing aid trucks to enter Gaza, emphasizing that these trucks are a lifeline for many people in the region.
In an attempt to achieve a ceasefire, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has confirmed his participation in a summit in Cairo, Egypt. The summit, hosted by Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, will bring together world leaders and representatives from the EU, as well as several Arab and European countries. The discussions will revolve around finding a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on a two-state solution.
The outcome of Israel’s plan to sever ties with Gaza after defeating Hamas remains uncertain. It is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the well-being of the civilians caught in the crossfire and ensure the prompt delivery of humanitarian aid. Only through diplomatic negotiations and compromise can a sustainable solution be achieved, bringing stability and peace to the region.
