New Delhi: In a major development that promises to spark fresh controversy and opposition at the international level, the Israeli security cabinet has reportedly approved a plan to take control of the Gaza Strip.
It is important to note that nearly 20 Muslim-majority countries have warned against the plan, calling it “dangerous and provocative”. These countries include Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Qatar, and Jordan.
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in response to this development, said that his aim is to free Gaza from Hamas and establish a peaceful civilian government there. Meanwhile, the global community and the United Nations have also criticized the plan. On the other hand, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen.
Israel’s Plan: Capture of Gaza City and Military Strategy
Israel’s security cabinet, on August 8, approved a plan under which the Israeli army will take control of Gaza City. It is important to note that Gaza is the largest city in the Gaza Strip and considered the main stronghold of Hamas. According to Israel, by seizing Gaza City, it aims to completely eliminate Hamas. Netanyahu said, “We will not occupy Gaza, but rather liberate it from Hamas.”
Israel-Gaza War: Here are some of the key updates:
- The plan calls for the establishment of an alternative civilian administration in Gaza, which will be under neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority.
- Its goal is to “demilitarize” Gaza and ensure the release of hostages.
- Satellite images show a heavy deployment of Israeli forces and a buildup of military equipment near the Gaza border, indicating a large-scale military operation.
- Around 20 Arab and Muslim countries have described Israel’s plan as a “blatant violation” of international law
- They have called Israel’s plan an attempt to “entrench the illegal occupation.”
- In a joint statement, these countries called it a “unilateral action against international legitimacy.”
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, after meeting his Egyptian counterpart and President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Egypt, said that Muslim countries must unite to mobilize the international community against this plan. He also called for an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).