Tel aviv: Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir on Tuesday outlined the stages of a plan to fully occupy Gaza City, despite ongoing indirect negotiations for a possible ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas.
According to Anadolu Agency, Zamir endorsed the plan on Sunday, with Defense Minister Israel Katz expected to give his approval on Tuesday. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government adopted a broader proposal to gradually reoccupy the entire Gaza Strip, starting with Gaza City.
The proposed plan involves displacing nearly 1 million Palestinians southward, encircling the city, and conducting ground raids into residential districts. On August 11, the Israeli army launched a wide-scale assault on the Zeitoun neighborhood in southeastern Gaza City. Witnesses reported that the operation involved the use of explosive-laden robots, artillery fire, indiscriminate shooting, and resulted in mass displacement.
According to the Israeli outlet Walla, Zamir's plan includes 'key principles and lessons' intended to enhance the effectiveness of the occupation. The strategy calls for strengthening army units in northern Gaza to facilitate the city's takeover, aligning with Israel's campaign to increase military pressure on Hamas and seize control of areas under its influence. Most tasks will reportedly be assigned to regular forces.
The Israeli preparations for occupying the city continue despite the ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Hamas has accepted a proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar for a 60-day cessation of hostilities and has expressed willingness to release Israeli captives in exchange for ending the war, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Israel's military actions have resulted in the deaths of over 62,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023, causing widespread devastation in the enclave, which is now facing famine. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice regarding its actions in the enclave.