From siege to seizure: Israel's plan for Gaza

The final stages of Israel's war on Gaza are underway. Initially presented as a mission to restore hostages and dismantle Hamas, but its fundamental purpose is now openly stated. They overdo Gaza and put their territory under Israeli control. Recent remarks by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and the latest developments within the enclave provide perhaps the clearest confirmation.

Since Israel crushed the ceasefire earlier last week, a new “green light” assault by US President Donald Trump has killed nearly 600 Palestinians. Health officials say that includes more than 400 women and children.

After cutting off food, electricity and humanitarian supplies in early March, Israel vows to step up its campaign against an already devastated population. The message to Gaza survivors is unmistakable: leave or die.

Katz: Gaza annexed area

Last Friday, Katz issued a clear statement. According to the Israeli era:

In a statement, Katz said: “If Hamas terrorist organizations continue to refuse hostages, they have directed the IDF (Israel Defence Force) to acquire additional areas, evacuate the population, and expand the security zones around Gaza to protect Israeli communities and IDF soldiers.”

“As long as Hamas continues to reject it, we will lose more and more land that will be added to Israel,” Katz says.

Hamas currently has 59 hostages. Israel believes that 24 are still alive.

The group cites the ceasefire agreement signed in January, claiming that Israel would not release the remaining prisoners unless it agrees to a permanent ceasefire and a full withdrawal from the territory.

Katz also raised US support for population removal, saying Israel “includes using all military and civilian pressures, including displacement of the Gaza population, and implementing President Trump's voluntary immigration program for Gaza residents.”

Trump's Vision

Trump's so-called “voluntary” immigration schemes that Katz refers to are neither voluntary nor humane. The government is hoping that more than 2 million Palestinian residents will be permanently relocated to neighboring countries with the goal of the United States turning the territory into “Riviera” and “ownership.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports the proposal, describing it as a “bold” and “fresh” strategy that could lead to the reconstruction of Gaza. Katz has instructed the IDF to prepare a plan to encourage Gaza residents to resign.

However, the plan faces widespread criticism and rejection from various quarters. Egypt and Jordan are firmly opposed to the proposal, citing concerns about forced evacuation and potential violations of international law. Human rights groups and international legal experts have denounced the plan as a form of ethnic cleansing.

Despite the controversy, Trump continues to push for the initiative. In February he confirmed that the Palestinians were not entitled to return.

Military Occupation

Israel no longer hides its intention to take full control of Gaza. Sunday's report during the Israeli era confirmed that Israeli officials are currently actively discussing plans for a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip with their US counterparts. Ron Dahmer, Minister of Strategic Affairs, leads a delegation in Washington.

As one Israeli official explained, the plan includes the deployment of IDFs responsible for “humanitarian assistance operations” within Gaza. Dahma was joined by senior representatives from the Mossad, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Israeli Atomic Energy Agency. This illustrates the strategic and long-term scope of the plan.

The Israeli era summarises and quotes the Washington Post:

Israel has previously avoided seeking military control of the Gaza Strip, but it appears that the new IDF Chief of Staff and the Minister of Defense have changed Israel's view, not to mention the new White House president.

The changes have already been shaped into the ground. The upcoming escalations will include “targets of Hamas civil leaders” and force “evacuate women, children and vetted non-combatants into a “humanitarian bubble,” according to officials.

Exile

Another Sunday report confirmed the establishment of a new Israeli office within the Ministry of Defence, which was explicitly entrusted with promoting “voluntary departures” of Palestinians from Gaza.

Katz said the office will work to “prepare and enable safe and controlled passageways” for those who run away. It includes land, sea and air passages. He emphasized his adherence to Trump's plans:

We work together in every way to implement the vision of the US President, and we allow any Gaza residents who want to move to a third state to do so.

The office was planned in cooperation with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Earlier this month, he said Israel could banish up to 5,000 Palestinians per day. As a result, Gaza could be “cleansed” within just a year.

For now, the real problem is where refugees are sent. Multiple reports show that Israel and the US are approaching Somalia, Somalian Land, Sudan and Syria to accept Gazan.

Still, the policy now has home, budget and office signs. The exile machine is no longer theoretical. It is operational.

Death and ruins

As of Sunday, Gaza's Ministry of Health reported that more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023, including 14,500 children. Israeli intelligence considers data from sources “generally accurate.”

But the true sacrifice may be much higher. The Lancet estimated that between the beginning of the war and the end of June 2024, “up to 186,000 deaths could be attributed to the current conflict in Gaza.” This study describes people trapped under the tile rub or killed by starvation, illness, and lack of medical care. Another Lancet study found that life expectancy in Gaza has collapsed.

Upon taking office, Trump transformed Gaza into a “large demolition site” that he called Gaza a “wonderful place.” In fact, in the first nine months of the war, Israel dropped 70,000 tonnes of bombs. It levelled the entire neighborhood and drove out more than 90% of the population. Latest estimates suggest that almost 70% of all structures are broken or damaged. This includes 92% of all residential units.

Last Friday, Israel flattened Gaza's only cancer centre. Two days later, they bombed the emergency forces of the Nasser Medical Complex, claiming that the Hamas leader had killed one person in the attack.

The purpose is clear. Disable Gaza, drive out people and pave the way for annexation.

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