Israel’s security cabinet has unanimously approved a plan to seize control of Gaza, citing the need to eliminate Hamas. The move is expected to displace hundreds of thousands of Palestinians further south, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The plan, which is likely to take several months to implement, involves expanding Israel’s military presence in Gaza and increasing the buffer zone along the border. This will give Israel a stronger bargaining position in negotiations for a new ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Humanitarian Concerns
The plan has sparked concerns among humanitarian organizations, who warn that it could worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. The United Nations’ Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) has expressed its opposition to the plan, stating that it contradicts fundamental humanitarian principles and appears designed to increase control over aid distribution as part of a military strategy.
The HCT has also warned that pushing civilians into military zones to receive aid could put countless lives at risk, including those of humanitarian workers, and further exacerbate forced displacement.
Aid Distribution
The Israeli security cabinet has approved the principle of delivering humanitarian aid through private companies to prevent Hamas from controlling the distribution of supplies. However, the HCT has refused to cooperate, citing concerns that the plan is an attempt by Israel to dismantle the existing aid distribution system and impose its own conditions on aid delivery.
Israel has blocked the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza for over two months, following the resumption of military operations in the region on March 18, two weeks after the expiration of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas. To date, there are no signs of a new agreement being reached.
Source: BBC