In a significant escalation of its military operations, Israel has announced plans to take control of 75% of the Gaza Strip within the next two months. This strategy involves relocating approximately two million Palestinian civilians into three designated zones that collectively comprise the remaining 25% of the territory. The move is part of “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” aimed at dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure and securing the release of hostages held by the group.
According to reports, the designated zones for civilian relocation include the southern Mawasi region, central Gaza, and Gaza City in the north. These areas are intended to serve as “safe zones” for the displaced population. However, the Israeli military has not formally confirmed these plans, and details about the implementation remain sparse.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated sharply amid the ongoing conflict. Israeli airstrikes have resulted in significant civilian casualties, including a recent attack that killed at least 52 people, with 36 fatalities occurring in a school-turned-shelter . The Gaza Health Ministry reports that approximately 54,000 Palestinians have died since the war began, with half of the victims being women and children.
In tandem with military operations, Israel, with U.S. backing, has initiated a new humanitarian aid distribution program.The initiative aims to provide food to roughly half of Gaza’s civilian population. However, the program has faced criticism from aid organizations, including the United Nations, which argue that it could exacerbate displacement and lacks neutrality. The resignation of Jake Wood, executive director of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, underscores the ethical concerns surrounding the aid distribution strategy.
International reactions to Israel’s plans have been largely critical. The United Nations has condemned the proposed civilian relocations, stating that they could lead to further civilian casualties and contravene humanitarian principles. Egypt and Jordan have also expressed strong opposition, with Egypt warning that accepting displaced Gazans could undermine its national security.
The Israeli government’s strategy has also drawn scrutiny for its potential long-term implications. Analysts warn that the forced relocation of civilians and the concentration of the population into limited zones could amount to ethnic cleansing.Israeli officials, however, maintain that the measures are necessary to eliminate Hamas’s presence and restore security .
As the conflict continues, diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire have stalled. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed a desire to see the war end swiftly, stating, “Israel, we’ve been talking to them, and we want to see if we can stop that whole situation as quickly as possible” . However, with Israel’s plans to expand its control over Gaza and the ongoing humanitarian crisis, a resolution remains elusive.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with widespread destruction, critical shortages of food and medical supplies, and a displaced population facing extreme hardship. The international community continues to call for an immediate halt to hostilities and a comprehensive plan to address the humanitarian needs of the Gazan people.
