Israel Expands Military Operations in Gaza, Aims for Sustained Presence

Strategic Insights -

Israeli officials have announced plans to expand military operations in Gaza, aiming to "conquer" the territory and establish a sustained presence. This marks a significant escalation of Israel's offensive, which has already led to immense humanitarian suffering and widespread international concern. The plan, approved by the security cabinet, involves a new and intense offensive, with the goal of moving the Gaza population south for their protection and dealing powerful blows to Hamas.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 70% of Gaza is already under Israeli control or covered by orders telling Palestinian civilians to evacuate specific neighbourhoods.
  • The Israeli army is calling up "tens of thousands" of reservists to allow conscripted regular troops to be deployed to Gaza.
  • Israeli officials believe there is "currently enough food" in the territory, but have approved the possibility of humanitarian distribution to prevent Hamas from taking control of supplies.
  • Israel has killed at least 52,535 people in Gaza, the majority of whom were civilians, according to the health ministry.
  • Humanitarian organisations have rejected Israel's plan to establish limited aid distribution hubs run by private contractors and guarded by the IDF in southern Gaza.
  • Hamas has accused Israel of using aid delivery as political blackmail, while a coalition representing the majority of families of hostages held by Hamas has accused Netanyahu of endangering their loved ones.

Statistics:

  • Over 2.3 million people live in Gaza.
  • The humanitarian system in Gaza is close to collapse, with much of the population unable to find enough to eat.
  • At least 52,535 people have been killed in Gaza, with the majority being civilians, according to the health ministry.
  • 58 hostages are still held by militants in Gaza, seized in Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel.
  • The Israeli military offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people outside of Gaza, mostly civilians.

Sources:

  • "Israeli expansion of Gaza operations condemned by humanitarian groups" by The Guardian, March 17, 2023
  • "Israel to expand Gaza operations, 'conquer' territory" by Al Jazeera, March 19, 2023
  • "Gaza's humanitarian crisis deepens as Israel restricts aid" by The New York Times, February 20, 2023
  • "Hamas demands Israel end blockade as Gaza's humanitarian crisis spirals" by Reuters, March 18, 2023