According to the reports on Monday (3 March), Israel is preparing a large-scale escalation in Gaza, including cutting electricity and water supplies, targeted assassinations of Hamas leaders, and forcing mass displacement of Palestinian residents. The plan, reportedly called “Hell,” aims to pressure Hamas into accepting a new ceasefire proposal from the United States. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also ordered the blocking of humanitarian aid shipments to Gaza, drawing widespread condemnation.
The ceasefire agreement, which initially took effect on January 19, was designed in three phases, but Israel has refused to proceed with the second phase that requires withdrawing its troops from Gaza. Netanyahu’s decision to extend only the prisoner exchange phase without fulfilling humanitarian obligations has led to Hamas rejecting further negotiations. The ongoing blockade and restrictions have turned Gaza into a humanitarian crisis, with severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.
The war in Gaza has led to massive destruction, with over 48,380 Palestinian civilians, mostly women and children, killed. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice, further increasing international pressure.
Meanwhile, regional tensions continue to rise, with Yemen’s Houthi group threatening to attack Tel Aviv if Israel resumes its military operations in Gaza. The Houthis have already launched drone and missile attacks at Israel and cargo ships in the Red Sea. As violence escalates, international mediators continue efforts to push for a ceasefire, but Israel remains firm on its military stance.
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