Jens Asbjørn Bøgen
Israel has called up tens of thousands of reservists in preperation for the expansion.
Israel has called up tens of thousands of reservists in preperation for the expansion.
Israel prepares for huge offensive
The Israeli military has called up tens of thousands of reservists in preperation for an expansion of the country’s operations in Gaza – and as the Israeil Security Cabinet has now approved the plans, the expansion seem closer than ever.
“Increase the pressure”
The Israeli Military says the mobilization is to “increase the pressure” on Hamas, aiming to bring home the remaining Israeli hostages as well as defeating Hamas.
Capture and control of Gaza
The now approved plans to expand the military operations is reported to include the goal af capturing Gaza and controlling the territory.
Trump-visit coming
According to BBC, indictions are that the expansion of the military operations will not be implemented before the regional visit of US President Donald Trump, scheduled to happen next week.
End of blockade?
The cabinet is also said to have approved a plan of resuming delivery of humanitarian aid through private companies into Gaza. The UN and other aid agencies have said they will not co-operate with this plan, stating it would be a breach of basic humanitarian principles.
Gradual expansion on the way
According to Israeli media, the ministers voted unanimously on gradually expanding the ground operations in Gaza, reportedly over af period of several months.
Differs from previous offensives
The Haaretz newspaper cites an Israeli official, saying that Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says the expanded offensive will not be raid-based, as previous operations have been, but will now aim for the occupation of the territory as well as sustained Israeli presence.
Buffer-zone
The first stage of the plan reportedly includes seizuring additional Gaza territory as well as the expansion of the “buffer zone”, designated by Israel. It runs along the Israel-Egypt border and is aimed at providing Israel with additional leverage in future negotiations with Hamas
Critics: A failed strategy
59 hostages are still being held by Hamas to this day, nearly 18 months since the Hamas-attack on October 7th 2023. Critics of the now approved expanded offensive say that it shows the Israeli government choosing territory over hostages, and that it is “against the will of 70 % of the Israeli people”.
The October 7th Attack
During the October 7th 2023 Hamas-attack into Israel, about 1200 people were killed and another 251 were taken hostage. The Israeli military launched a campaign into Gaza with the purpose of destroying Hamas.