Intensifying scrutiny faces Israel amid escalating Gaza conflicts
In the ongoing conflict in Gaza, several significant developments have taken place recently.
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Qatari representatives in Paris on Thursday to discuss a potential deal aimed at ending the war and freeing hostages. This meeting comes as behind-the-scenes efforts by mediators continue to work towards a resolution.
Meanwhile, Israel's military is preparing for a heavily disputed takeover of Gaza City, a densely populated coastal region home to an estimated one million people. The Israeli government's goal is to increase pressure on Hamas until it is finally defeated, a goal that has been met with resistance from the Islamist group.
The Israeli government has categorically rejected France's plan to recognize a State of Palestine, leading to the denial of a possible visit by French President Emmanuel Macron. Israel views this recognition as a "reward for Hamas" following the massacre in Israel's border area on October 7, 2023.
Another point of contention is Israel's desire to maintain security control over the Gaza Strip, while Hamas demands the withdrawal of Israeli troops. General Staff Chief Zamir has warned that occupying Gaza City would lead to an Israeli military administration.
Hamas is awaiting Israel's response to the international mediators' proposal for a ceasefire and is ready for a comprehensive agreement that would involve the release of all hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Netanyahu, however, insists on a comprehensive deal for the immediate release of all hostages, not in stages.
The Forum of Israeli Hostages' Families has called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the mediators to immediately return to the negotiating table for a comprehensive agreement. As of the current operations, 20 hostages are still alive in Gaza, while the others refer to the transfer of their remains.
The status of Hamas's readiness to release all remaining hostages at once is unclear based on recent public statements. The EU Commission, as an institution, has not yet used the term "genocide" in connection with Gaza. However, EU Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera has for the first time spoken of genocide in relation to Israel's military operations in the Gaza Strip.
Israel's government, like Germany's, rejects the accusation of genocide made by EU Commissioner Ribera. Netanyahu insists on the surrender and disarmament of Hamas, which the Islamists reject. The Israeli army spokesman, Effie Defrin, has stated that the operation will be expanded and intensified in the coming days.
As of the current operations, the Israeli army has operational control over 40 percent of the city of Gaza. In the Gaza war since the massacre, more than 64,200 Palestinians have been killed, according to the health authority controlled by Hamas.
These developments underscore the complex and volatile nature of the situation in Gaza, with both sides holding firm to their positions and international efforts continuing to seek a peaceful resolution.
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