The streets of Gaza are bracing for what could be the most devastating chapter of the war yet.
Israel’s military confirmed that it has begun circling Gaza City, describing Hamas as a “battered and bruised” guerrilla force but warning that the group’s stronghold remains entrenched inside the city. Brigadier General Effie Defrin said the next step would be to “deepen the attack” and take control of the city, calling it a hub of “governmental and military terror.”
The move comes after Israel’s security cabinet approved a sweeping plan to impose full military control over Gaza — a strategy that would force the enclave’s 2.3 million people south. As many as 60,000 new reservists are being called up in the coming weeks, doubling the army’s force to more than 120,000.
But the cost is already clear. More than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, according to Gaza health officials, while aid groups warn the strip is on the brink of famine. Around 75% of Gaza lies in ruins, with families trapped between bombardments and hunger.
Despite Israel’s offensive plans, Hamas stunned observers earlier this week by accepting a new ceasefire proposal from Arab mediators one that includes a 60-day truce and the release of half the remaining hostages. Unlike previous talks, Hamas dropped all additional demands. Still, Israel and the U.S. have yet to formally respond.
For many, that silence is terrifying. Families of Israeli hostages have warned that another escalation could doom their loved ones, while civilians inside Gaza fear “a miracle” is the only thing that can save them. “To die here or die wherever they would push us to, all the same,” said Samir Abu Basel, a father of four. “We have lost faith in this world, in our leaders, too.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists civilians will be allowed to evacuate before Israel storms Gaza City, but critics including Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer and the UN human rights chief Volker Türk say such an offensive will only lead to more death, more displacement, and more destruction.
Israel’s five stated goals remain unchanged: disarm Hamas, return the hostages, establish full security control over Gaza, demilitarize the strip, and create a new civil administration. But for ordinary families in Gaza, the only question now is whether their home will even exist by the time those goals are pursued.
A ceasefire deal is on the table, but Israel is preparing for war. The clock is ticking toward October 7, 2025 a symbolic date for the planned siege of Gaza City. For millions of civilians, the choice is no longer between peace and war, but between survival and annihilation.
Follow us on X @Dobblog1
No comments:
Post a Comment
Join the conversation by leaving a comment below. Keep it respectful, relevant, and on-topic - we love hearing from our readers!