FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
Israel exploits Ukraine negotiations to occupy Gaza and displace its population...
Israeli forces have called up some 60,000 reservists as part of a plan for a ground offensive aimed at fully controlling Gaza City. According to the military, many of the mobilized troops are already part of the active forces, while preparatory actions are taking place in the Zeitoun and Jabalia areas. Defense Minister Israel Katz has approved the plan, which will be discussed soon in the security cabinet.
This move is expected to cause the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian civilians to the southern part of Gaza. International organizations have warned of the humanitarian consequences: the International Committee of the Red Cross has stated that the situation could deteriorate severely for the 2.1 million inhabitants of Gaza, while French President Emmanuel Macron has described the plan as “a path to disaster and a perpetual cycle of war.”
The Israeli government has stressed that the offensive is aimed at freeing all hostages held by Hamas and the “final destruction” of the Palestinian armed structures. Meanwhile, mediators from Qatar and Egypt are attempting to reach a 60-day ceasefire, but Israel has demanded a comprehensive agreement for the release of all hostages.
Potential consequences: Such an offensive would intensify violence and deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In addition to the danger to civilians, the destabilization could have geopolitical consequences for the region, increasing tensions with neighboring countries and weighing on Israel's diplomatic position in the international arena.
In parallel with the offensive in Gaza, Israel has approved the controversial “E1” settlement project in the West Bank, which envisages the construction of 3,401 housing units between Jerusalem and Ma'ale Adumim. The project has drawn sharp criticism from Palestinians and human rights organizations, as it divides the West Bank in two and hinders the possibility of a future Palestinian state.
Finance Minister and far-right leader Bezalel Smotrich called the decision “historic” and said that every unit built is a step towards eliminating the idea of a Palestinian state. The organization “Peace Now” emphasizes that this plan does not include the original E1 area, but an expansion of Ma'ale Adumim that increases the settlement's capacity by 33%, connecting the eastern industrial zone with the residential area.
This settlement expansion undermines the prospect of a two-state solution and exacerbates tensions between communities. International observers are concerned that the move will block the creation of a Palestinian metropolis connected between East Jerusalem, Bethlehem and Ramallah. In practice, the project consolidates the Israeli presence in the heart of the territory and undermines the chances of a long-term peaceful solution.
While the international community and global media are focused on the negotiations and the war in Ukraine, Israel appears to be exploiting this distraction to advance its agenda in the Palestinian territories. The planned operation in Gaza and the approval of E1 settlements in the West Bank come at a time when global attention has shifted away from the Eastern Mediterranean.
This distraction offers a “golden time” for the Netanyahu government: while the world’s eyes are on Russia and Ukraine, Israel can take actions that would be more objectionable in another diplomatic situation. The strategy seems twofold: military dominance in Gaza and demographic/territorial consolidation in the West Bank, both without succumbing to major international pressure.
In this context, Israel's actions are not only local, but also a tactical game in the global arena, taking advantage of the situation in Ukraine to minimize international reaction and strengthen its strategic position. /Pamphlet
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