Israel to expand military operations in Gaza to establish ‘sustained presence’

In a move expected to spark international concern and opposition, Israeli officials have announced plans to expand their military operations in Gaza, aiming to establish a “sustained presence” in the territory. This decision, unanimously approved by the security cabinet in a late Sunday meeting, goes beyond any objectives previously outlined by Israel for its offensive in the war-ravaged Palestinian enclave.

A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the strategy was more ambitious than any previously announced. He said, “The aim is to conquer the territory and to establish a sustained presence”. The official did not provide further details on what form this presence would take or how long it would last.

The Gaza Strip, home to nearly 2 million Palestinians, has been the theatre of three wars between Israel and the Hamas militant group since 2008. The area, under a crippling Israeli-Egyptian blockade since 2007, is one of the most densely populated in the world.

This new strategy is likely to exacerbate an already volatile situation in the Middle East and could potentially lead to heightened tensions with neighbouring countries. The international community, which has long called for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, is expected to voice strong opposition to Israel’s plans.

Israel’s announcement comes amid escalating violence in Gaza and the West Bank, with the Israeli military conducting regular airstrikes and ground operations in response to rocket fire from militant groups in Gaza.

Israeli officials argue that this expanded military operation is necessary to ensure the security of Israeli citizens. They claim that continuous rocket attacks from Gaza-based militant groups have made life unbearable for residents in bordering Israeli towns.

However, human rights organisations and the United Nations have frequently criticised Israel’s military actions in Gaza, arguing that they disproportionately affect civilians and violate international law. They have called on Israel to lift its blockade on Gaza, which they say has created a humanitarian crisis, with residents suffering from a lack of access to basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care.

Palestinian leaders have condemned the planned expansion, calling it a clear violation of international law. “This is an act of aggression and a clear attempt to permanently occupy Palestinian land,” said a senior Palestinian official, who wished to remain anonymous. “We will not stand by and watch as our people are subjected to this unjust occupation.”

It remains to be seen how the international community will respond to Israel’s plans. So far, the United Nations and other international bodies have been unable to broker a long-lasting peace agreement between Israel and Palestine.

The situation in Gaza is part of a broader conflict between Israel and Palestine, who have been locked in a bitter struggle over land and sovereignty for more than seven decades.

Israel’s decision to expand its military operations in Gaza signals a significant escalation in the conflict and could potentially plunge the region into a new cycle of violence and instability. As the world watches and waits, the future of peace in the Middle East hangs in the balance.