A month into war, Israel envisions an ‘overall security’ role in Gaza indefinitely

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A month following the outbreak of hostilities, Israel foresees a lasting ‘security oversight’ role in Gaza

Following the confrontation with Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel’s commitment to an indefinite “security oversight” in Gaza. This statement comes as the most definitive sign that Israel intends to retain its control in the region after a month of fierce conflict that has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and the devastation of large areas.

In a late Monday broadcasted interview with ABC News, Netanyahu signaled his willingness to consider brief halts in the military action to allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza or to negotiate the release of some of the over 240 individuals taken by Hamas during their incursion into Israel on October 7, which sparked the current war.

However, Netanyahu dismissed the idea of a comprehensive cease-fire unless all the captives are freed. Following a discussion between Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden, the White House stated that no consensus was reached on Biden’s proposal for a widespread humanitarian ceasefire.

The conflict has exacted a severe toll; on Tuesday, Israel intensified its bombardment across Gaza. Entire neighborhoods have been turned to debris, prompting approximately 70% of Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants to flee their homes. Many have complied with Israeli directives to relocate to the southern parts of the enclave, which continue to be targeted by attacks.

Further reports include:

• Civilians describe harrowing escapes past Israeli tanks while fleeing the northern conflict zones of Gaza.
• As the barrage on Gaza continues, Israel acknowledges the possibility of intermittent breaks in combat.
• The UN Security Council remains at an impasse over the conflict as the death toll in Gaza exceeds 10,000.

The Palestinian casualty count has risen above 10,300, with women and minors making up two-thirds of the deceased, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry under Hamas. Over 2,300 are unaccounted for and presumed to be beneath the rubble of collapsed structures. The ministry does not differentiate between civilians and militants, while Israel asserts that a large number of combatants have been eliminated.

In recent actions, Israeli forces have conducted operations inside Gaza for more than a week, succeeding in bisecting the territory and encircling Gaza City. Essential supplies such as food, medicine, fuel, and water are in short supply, while shelters established in UN-operated schools are overwhelmed.

Following an Israeli air strike in Khan Younis, a southern refugee camp in Gaza, on November 6, 2023, five casualties were retrieved from beneath the debris by first responders, including three children. The aftermath saw emotional scenes as residents struggled with the losses.

The Israeli fatalities stand at approximately 1,400, predominantly civilians during the October 7 incursion by Hamas. Israelis paid tribute to the victims on Tuesday, marking a significant day of mourning as per Jewish tradition, with memorial events scheduled in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. Military reports state that 30 Israeli soldiers have been killed in the Gaza offensive since it began.

Israel has declared its intention to dismantle Hamas’s governance and military capabilities, though the subsequent steps, as envisioned by Israel and its primary ally, the United States, have not been clearly articulated.

In northern Gaza, Israeli forces concentrate on intensive fighting, especially around Gaza City, which was home to about 650,000 residents before the conflict. Israel accuses Hamas of embedding military infrastructure within civilian areas, including extensive tunnel networks, and claims that the group uses civilians as shields.

The conflict has not only caused devastation in Gaza but has also escalated tensions in the region, with exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah across the Lebanese border. Additionally, more than 160 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the beginning of the war, mostly during protests and clashes with Israeli forces.

Despite continuous rocket fire from militants into Israel, humanitarian aid has managed to enter Gaza through Egypt since October 21. Egypt’s Rafah Crossing has been opened to permit foreigners and medical patients to exit Gaza.

The full coverage of these developments can be found on the dedicated news portal.

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