Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has escalated the military campaign in Gaza, promising to dismantle Hamas down to its “foundation.” This statement came during a press conference on Wednesday, where he emphasized Israel’s commitment to its operations in the region. With the chips still falling, he’s due in Washington, D.C. on Monday. Perhaps most importantly, he will meet with U.S. President Donald Trump during this visit. The visit comes at a time of increased tensions and skyrocketing death tolls in Gaza.
Following the unprecedented surprise attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, war broke out. In retaliation, Israel has massively escalated its military campaigns. Israeli airstrikes have killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry, reports say. Just last Thursday, strikes resulted in the deaths of 69 individuals, including a tragic incident where an Israeli attack on a school sheltering displaced persons claimed 15 lives, with “the majority of them children and women,” according to local sources.
Netanyahu’s Military Strategy and Casualties
As criticism grows, Netanyahu’s government has continued its military offensive against Hamas even after accepting a U.S.-led proposal for a ceasefire. In response to ongoing attacks from Hamas, Netanyahu stated, “In response to Hamas’s barbaric attacks, the IDF is operating to dismantle Hamas military capabilities,” signaling a firm stance against the militant group.
According to the United Nations, the recent escalation has displaced more than 2 million people in Gaza. This crisis has caused a hunger pandemic and devastation across the territory. Today humanitarian agencies are raising the alarm about the worsening conditions civilians are facing. They illuminate the horrific toll of countless shelling on hospitals and schools.
“Struck a key Hamas terrorist who was operating in a Hamas command and control centre in Gaza City.” – Israel Defense Forces (IDF)
When conducting attacks, Israeli forces have sought to justify their actions by claiming that they go above and beyond to protect civilians. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated, “Prior to the strike, numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance, and additional intelligence.” These assertions have increasingly fallen on deaf ears as the civilian death toll continues to rise.
Upcoming Meetings with U.S. Leadership
Netanyahu is supposed to meet with President Trump at the White House next week. The two leaders will likely walk arm-in-arm onto the field to shake hands before the game, underscoring their partnership against rising tensions. This is just a matter of time, as Trump recently hinted that Israel had agreed to the terms needed to settle a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas. This unprecedented shift from military campaigns to humanitarian engagements now puts into question what military operations will look like in Gaza.
Netanyahu has been publicly optimistic, if guardedly so, that an agreement with Hamas is nearing. His optimism rests only on the possibility of a short-term ceasefire and a deal on hostages. Together, these discussions have the potential to significantly shape our response to the continuing humanitarian disaster in Gaza. They can help tip the scale of the conflict.
Humanitarian Impact and International Response
The new aspect has been the international focus on and outcry against the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, directly caused by Israel’s ongoing military campaign. Airstrikes by the Assad regime and Russian forces have decimated the area, leaving much of the community in ruins. Millions of families can no longer find safety and access to basic necessities. As humanitarian organizations struggle to scale up operations and respond to the crisis, access is proving a major hurdle amid the ongoing conflict.
With both Netanyahu and Trump likely to weigh in on these matters at their first meetings together ever, the world community waits with bated breath. Their negotiations would do much to defuse tensions, or extend the bloodletting. This brutal conflict has internally displaced over 1.6 million people and taken at least 5,000 lives.
