Israel's security cabinet approved on Friday a plan to take over Gaza City in an operation expected to last no less than six months. According to senior security sources cited by Kan TV News, the army aims to begin a major ground offensive in roughly two months.
The plan kicks off with an evacuation: over 800,000 residents of Gaza City are to move to the Al-Mawasi "humanitarian zone" in southern Gaza within the next two weeks. In about a month, a reserve division will join the five divisions already on the ground, preparing for the intense push ahead. 🚚
At the same time, Israel promises to ramp up humanitarian support, boosting aid convoys to 1,200 trucks per day – four times the current level – in hopes of easing civilian suffering during the operation. ❤️🩹
But the decision has sparked fierce debate inside Israel. Some military leaders and families of hostages held in Gaza have voiced strong opposition, warning that the plan could prolong the conflict and endanger more lives. Critics abroad accuse Israel of overstepping international law and worsening a dire humanitarian crisis. 🌍
Protests erupted from Tel Aviv to Turkiye. In Tel Aviv’s "Hostages Square," thousands demanded a ceasefire and the safe release of hostages. In Istanbul’s Beyazit Square, crowds chanted slogans and held banners denouncing the operation. 🚨✊
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to condemn the plan as "absolutely unacceptable." Erdogan reaffirmed Turkiye's support for Palestine and welcomed growing European calls for Palestinian statehood as criticism of Israel mounts in the West.
As tensions rise, all eyes are on Gaza. Will the six-month timeline hold? Can an increase in aid ease the fallout? Stay tuned as this story continues to unfold. 📺
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
