Middle East Crisis Gaza War

Source: Netanyahu wants to take over all of Gaza – decision could be made tomorrow

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to convene his security cabinet on Tuesday to discuss how the offensive in Gaza should continue, Reuters reports.

A source close to the prime minister told Israeli television channel N12 that Netanyahu is leaning towards expanding the offensive and taking over the entire Gaza Strip. A decision on the matter will be made in connection with Tuesday's meeting, according to Israeli media.

Israel's security cabinet has repeatedly stated that the goal of the offensive is to "conquer" the entire Gaza Strip.

UN expert: Don't pretend to be surprised by the situation in Gaza

Famine is always political, always predictable and always preventable, according to Michael Fakhri, the UN special rapporteur on the right to food. Fakhri warned of the acute famine situation in Gaza a year and a half ago. According to him, Israel has been using food as a weapon against Palestinians long before the war broke out.

“Israel has built the most efficient starvation machine imaginable. So while it is always shocking to see people starving, no one should pretend to be surprised,” he told The Guardian.

Fakhri and other UN experts have repeatedly called on member states and companies to act to stop the attacks and starvation in Gaza by reducing aid and trade with Israel, as well as imposing sanctions.

“I see stronger political language, more condemnations, more proposals for plans. But despite the change in rhetoric, we are still in a phase of passivity,” says Fakhri. 

Voices on Gaza
600 Security Chiefs: Hamas is no longer a threat – end the war

600 former high-ranking security officials in Israel have signed a letter urging Donald Trump to increase pressure on the Israeli government, reports the Jerusalem Post.

In the letter, they write, among other things, that the terrorist group Hamas is no longer “a strategic threat” to Israel. They now want to see Trump “steer” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the war.

Among those who signed the letter are former heads of Israel’s Mossad intelligence service, the Shin Bet security police, and the IDF military.

“The IDF has long since achieved the two goals that can be achieved through violence: to dismantle Hamas’ military formations and rule. The third, and most important, can only be achieved through an agreement: to bring all hostages home,” they write in the appeal.