Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has escalated military operations in Gaza while facing increasing scrutiny over his decisions regarding humanitarian aid. For the latest, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are increasingly moving troops and tanks further into the besieged, war-torn region. This is a huge geographic and tactical expansion of their offensive against Hamas. It’s no secret that Netanyahu would rather hit tweet than face the press in person. This decision has drawn backlash from a wide range of stakeholders.
As this terrible and tragic story continues to develop, Netanyahu’s new ground invasion – Operation ‘Gideon’s Chariots’ – is intended to take much of what remains of Gaza. This initiative hits Hamas where it hurts most. It does all of this while laying the groundwork for a permanent presence in the territory. The prime minister’s approach has raised concerns over the humanitarian consequences of military operations. Since early March, Israel has been imposing a total blockade on humanitarian assistance.
Military Strategy and Goals
Netanyahu’s primary objective remains clear: the elimination of Hamas, a group he holds responsible for ongoing violence and instability. He stated, “From the beginning of the war, we said that in order to complete the victory, defeat Hamas and free all our hostages, two tasks that are intertwined, there is one necessary condition: we must not reach a state of starvation, both from a practical and a political point of view.”
He has declared that “a basic amount of food” will start to flow into Gaza in the near future. This nearly three months into an unprecedented total siege. Critics say such minuscule aid falls woefully short of what is needed by the population devastated by the ongoing conflict. The IDF asserts that its military strategy is designed to “essentially take over all of Gaza and strip Hamas of all ability to plunder humanitarian aid.”
As of October 16, the continued military actions had already forced the displacement of over a third of Gaza’s population. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, Israeli forces are systematically relocating Palestinians from the city of Rafah. They’re currently calling on those near Khan Younis to move west toward the Palestine coast and the Al Mawasi region, which had once been declared a humanitarian corridor area.
Domestic and International Support
What sustains Netanyahu’s actions even more is the support he receives from key political allies here in the United States. He thanked U.S. senators for the help they have given him so far, referring to their steadfast support as “the rock” that secures Israel. “Our greatest friends in the world, senators who I know as enthusiastic supporters of Israel… come to me and tell me this: We are giving you all the assistance to complete the victory: weapons, support for your moves to eliminate Hamas, protection in the Security Council,” he remarked.
This support arrives as pressure grows on Israeli PM Netanyahu to respond to domestic frustrations over hostages who remain in Hamas’ captivity. The prime minister should weigh military objectives against humanitarian aims as he balances a war of public opinion at home.
Humanitarian Concerns and Future Outlook
The unfolding military campaign poses some of the worst humanitarian catastrophes. Most people following the situation are concerned that the conflict and the blockade will worsen already terrible conditions experienced by civilians in Gaza. As Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to ensuring that aid reaches those in need, he emphasized that “the method is distribution points that are secured by the IDF, preventing Hamas’ access and allowing American companies to distribute the food and medicine aid to the population.”
As Israel girds for what it before it, the international community is in rapt attention to see how Israel will execute this “unprecedented attack” and the subsequent repercussions. Concerns about the long-term consequences of a delayed military withdrawal from Gaza linger to this day. Folks are especially worried about the risk of further escalation and what that might do to broader regional stability.
