Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government reportedly aims to seize control of the entire Gaza Strip. While the Israeli military remains skeptical about the explosive potential of such plans, it is already preparing civilians in the enclave for a new offensive. Even before holding consultations on expanding the Gaza war, the Israeli army issued a call for evacuation from residential areas in the southern part of Gaza City.
A military spokesperson, speaking in Arabic, urged residents of the Al-Saitun neighborhood to move immediately southward to the designated humanitarian zone of Al-Mawasi. As in previous warnings, the army stated that it is now expanding its deployment westward. Since the Gaza war began 22 months ago—following the unprecedented Hamas massacre in Israel—nearly the entire population of Gaza has become internally displaced. Many people have been forced to flee multiple times. Deadly attacks have also occurred repeatedly in the supposed humanitarian zone of Al-Mawasi.
Decision Expected Thursday According to media reports, Israel’s Security Cabinet is expected to decide on Thursday whether to approve a plan to capture the entire Gaza Strip. The Israeli military leadership has reportedly warned against the move, which Prime Minister Netanyahu is said to favor. Israeli radio reported that under this plan, the military would be required to push into refugee neighborhoods in the central section of Gaza, including Gaza City itself. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has warned of a possible “trap” and the deadly risks such an operation could pose to both hostages and soldiers.
Chaos Unfolds in Gaza Strip Meanwhile, according to the Hamas-run civil defense authority, 20 people died in Gaza when a truck carrying humanitarian aid overturned. Dozens more were injured while waiting for food deliveries in Nusseirat, located in the central part of the Palestinian territory. Civil defense spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal told AFP on Wednesday that the truck had been forced to use roads badly damaged by Israeli bombings.
The Hamas-controlled government in Gaza accused Israel on Wednesday of impeding aid trucks from using safe routes, forcing drivers to take roads crowded with “starving civilians” who had been waiting “for weeks for essential goods.” This, they claimed, led to desperate civilians rushing the trucks and attempting to seize supplies by force. When asked about the incident, the Israeli military said it was checking the information.
