Israeli Official Declares Full-Scale Assault on Gaza If Demands Are Not Met
An official from Israel has asserted that Gaza City will be completely demolished if Hamas fails to meet their demands, which include disarming and releasing all hostages. This alarming statement was made after plans for a significant attack on Gaza City received approval, despite strong opposition both internationally and within the country.
Temporary Ceasefire Agreement Rejected
Earlier this week, Hamas agreed to halt hostilities for 60 days following mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt. The ceasefire agreement proposed that half of the remaining hostages in Gaza would be released. However, this offer was dismissed by Israel's Prime Minister. The Prime Minister stated that he has directed negotiators to aim for the release of all remaining hostages and an end to the war on terms that are acceptable to Israel.
Uncertain Fate of Hostages
According to Israeli beliefs, only 20 out of the 50 hostages are still alive after almost two years of conflict. An official from Israel hinted that negotiations will resume once a meeting location has been finalized.
The Prime Minister, in a video statement issued during a visit to the Gaza division headquarters in Israel, stated his directive to start negotiations for the release of all the hostages. He also expressed his approval of the plans to assume control of Gaza City and defeat Hamas.
Terms for Peace
The Prime Minister emphasized that the two objectives - defeating Hamas and releasing all hostages - are interconnected. However, he did not elaborate on what the next stage of discussions would involve.
Supporting the Prime Minister's stance, the Defence Minister issued a stern warning on social media: "The gates of hell will open on Hamas's murderers and rapists in Gaza, until they acquiesce to Israel's conditions for ending the war, primarily the release of all hostages and disarmament. If they refuse, Gaza, Hamas's capital, will be reduced to rubble, just like Rafah and Beit Hanoun."
These two cities have been left in ruins after previous Israeli military operations.
Evacuation Warnings
The Israeli Defense Forces have advised medical officials and international organizations to prepare for the evacuation of Gaza City's entire population, which numbers one million, to shelters in the south before forces move in.
The health ministry in Gaza, which is run by Hamas, has rejected any action that would further deteriorate the healthcare system.
Impact of the Conflict
Escalating attacks and continuous bombing in Gaza City have resulted in large numbers of civilian casualties and widespread destruction. Aid groups and the UN have pledged to remain and assist those who are unable or choose not to relocate.
There is growing concern that the proposed military campaign in Gaza City will exacerbate the existing humanitarian crisis. The UN-supported Integrated Food Security Phase Classification warned last month of a potential famine unfolding in Gaza.
Breakdown of Previous Negotiations
The Prime Minister announced Israel's intention to take control of the entire Gaza Strip when indirect talks with Hamas about a ceasefire and hostage release deal fell through last month.
In response to a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel where around 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage, the Israeli military initiated a campaign in Gaza. Since then, the conflict has claimed the lives of at least 62,192 people in Gaza, as per the figures provided by the territory's health ministry. The ministry's figures are universally accepted as the most reliable source of statistics on casualties.