Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the “intensive” offensive against Hamas. Earlier, his security office approved a plan, which includes, among others, the seizure of the Gaza Strip and the resettlement of the population and changes in the distribution of humanitarian aid. But it will not be implemented immediately.
Key facts:
- The agreement on the war in the Gaza Strip between Israel and Hamas ended on March 18. Fighting has been going on since then.
- The new offensive does not move immediately. Israel announced when it would happen and described the delay as a “opportunity” for Hamas.
- A representative of this Palestinian terrorist organization referred to these plans.
Prime minister Israel Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Monday in social media that the new offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip will have a “intense” character, which will cause the Palestinians “for their own safety”. He stated that her goal was also to reflect hostages. He also said that Israeli troops would not use previous tactics based on short raids, and it is about the long -term presence of troops in the occupied territory.
Source: PAP/EPA/MOMAMMED SABER
“Takeover of the Gaza Zone”
Earlier, at night from Sunday to Monday, the Israeli security office adopted a plan to extend the offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
As the official told – whom the BBC quotes – the author of the plan is the Chief of the Staff of the Israeli Army General Eyal Zamir, and he aims to “defeat Hamas in the Gaza Strip and release hostages”.
– The plan will include, among others, the takeover of the Gaza Strip and maintaining territories, resettlement of the Gaza Strip to the south for its defense, depriving Hamas of the possibilities of distribution of humanitarian aid and strong attacks on Hamas – said the official.
They give a “chance” to agree
Israel's troops are already controlling an area of ​​about a third of the Gaza Strip. They took over these territories, displacing the population and building watchtowers and observation posts. These areas are called safety zones or buffer zones.
Israeli media reported that the first stage of the offensive would include the occupation of additional half of the enclave and the extension of the buffer zones designated by Israel along the borders of the territory. This would have to provide Israel with additional cards in negotiations with Hamas regarding the new suspension of weapons and releasing hostages.
Later, a high -ranking Israeli security officer stated that the plan would not be implemented before the president's visit USA Donald Trump in the Middle East on May 13-16, which – as he said – “will give Hamas a chance” to conclude a new agreement. The previous one ended on March 18.
“If there is no agreement on the hostages, the” Gideon Chariots “surgery will begin with great intensity and end until all its goals are achieved,” he said.
Distribution of help in the hands of private companies
Approved plans also apply to the distribution of humanitarian aid. Until now, international aid groups and organizations dealt with it UNand now it would be handed over to private companies.
This – writes the BBC – would end a two -month blockade in deliveries, which according to the UN led to serious food shortages and other necessary goods.
Hamas reaction
The Hamas Mahmoud Mardavi official described these movements of Jerusalem as “pressure and blackmail.” – no agreement. In addition to comprehensive, which includes a complete suspension of weapons, complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, rebuilding the Gaza Strip and the release of all prisoners from both sides – he said.
Author/author: AKR/AKW
Source: BBC, PAP, Reuters
Source of the main photo: PAP/EPA/MOMAMMED SABER