The ongoing military campaign in Gaza City has reached a temporary truce, but experts suggest that the battle for control of the city will resume after the truce ends. However, the focus will then shift to the southern Gaza Strip, where Israel plans to target Hamas and its leaders. This raises concerns about the potential humanitarian disaster and international goodwill towards Israel. With the majority of Gaza’s population residing in the south, living in overcrowded shelters and facing desperate conditions, the situation could worsen, especially if Israel’s plans to establish a “safe area” at al-Mawasi materialize.
Al-Mawasi, a small strip of land along the Mediterranean coast, lacks essential infrastructure and has limited capacity to accommodate the displaced population. Aid agencies warn that the establishment of such a shelter would present a significant humanitarian challenge. The Gaza Strip already hosts eight refugee camps, and the United Nations (UN) aims to avoid setting up yet another camp. The UN agencies and NGOs involved in providing assistance to Palestinian civilians have rejected Israel’s plans and emphasize the need for agreement among all relevant parties.
Israel’s officials argue that removing the civilian population from the southern strip is necessary to defeat Hamas effectively. However, international disquiet is growing, and the conduct of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza is under scrutiny. Western officials express concerns about the potential casualties and displacement of civilians, which could erode international sympathy for Israel.
As the truce comes to an end, Western patience will be tested, and calls for restraint are likely to increase. The Netanyahu government needs to consider the consequences of its actions and the potential impact on international support. Although Israel currently benefits from deep reserves of Western goodwill, continuing the military campaign without addressing the humanitarian crisis could strain this support.
The looming winter exacerbates concerns, as overcrowding and harsh conditions pose a threat to the civilian population. Furthermore, the uncertainty surrounding how aid will be delivered to al-Mawasi and other areas adds to the complexity of the situation. The Israeli government must carefully navigate the balance between military necessity and international pressure, keeping in mind the expectations of its citizens and the potential consequences of its decisions.
In conclusion, the ongoing military campaign in Gaza’s southern strip raises significant humanitarian concerns and challenges international goodwill towards Israel. The establishment of a safe area at al-Mawasi is met with skepticism by aid agencies, and calls for restraint from international actors are likely to grow louder. As the truce ends and the campaign resumes, the Netanyahu government must carefully consider its actions and their potential impact on the civilian population and international support. The long agony in Gaza shows no signs of abating, and the situation may worsen without a comprehensive approach to address the humanitarian crisis.
