Israel’s security cabinet is reportedly on the brink of approving a full military takeover of the Gaza Strip, a move not seen since 2005. There is support for the military takeover by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and this could essentially undo the disengagement policy from 2005, but it also could lead to a sustained occupation with troops entering and occupying Gaza. The plan could be approved by the security cabinet at any time.
This escalation would come after entangled ceasefire discussions and Israeli officials prepared to call tens of thousands of reservists in anticipation of significant work against Hamas. Opponents of the idea have warned that a long term military occupation could lead to the bloodiest phase of the conflict thus far, with substantial civilian deaths in Gaza and an increased risk to the remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza.
Despite the insistence of Netanyahu to still achieve a military victory and retrieve the civic captives, Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir and more than 600 former security and intelligence leaders, including former heads of the Mossad, opposed the cabinet’s potential decision, citing the long term risks of a military occupation, and the potential damage to Israel’s security and its standing in the world.
Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to worsen: aid is severely restricted still,a famine is rapidly approaching and health services are severely stressed. The United Nations and other international partners have made serious pleas for aid and support to halt the further suffering of civilians.
