What's happened
Israel's cabinet approved a plan to seize Gaza City, escalating military operations amid international condemnation. Countries warn of worsening humanitarian conditions and regional destabilization. The UN scheduled an emergency meeting as global leaders call for a ceasefire and humanitarian access. The move follows ongoing violence and diplomatic tensions.
What's behind the headline?
The Israeli plan to seize Gaza City marks a significant escalation in the conflict, risking further humanitarian catastrophe. The decision to evacuate civilians by October 7 and launch a ground offensive indicates Israel's intent to dismantle Hamas's control, but it also risks intensifying civilian suffering and regional instability. International opposition, including from the UN and key European nations, underscores the potential for this move to deepen the crisis. The plan's focus on defeating Hamas without a clear post-conflict governance strategy suggests a prolonged and uncertain future for Gaza. The decision to limit the operation to Gaza City initially, with possible expansion, reflects Israel's strategic aim to weaken Hamas while managing domestic and international pressures. The timing, coinciding with the second anniversary of Hamas's attack, underscores the ongoing cycle of violence and retaliation. The international community's warnings highlight the risk of further displacement, loss of life, and regional destabilization, making this a pivotal moment in the Gaza conflict that will shape future diplomacy and military actions.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel reports that Israel's cabinet approved the Gaza City operation despite military opposition, with plans to evacuate civilians and launch a ground offensive. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the move a 'dangerous escalation' that could worsen conditions for Palestinians. European and Arab nations condemned the plan, warning it would lead to more bloodshed and humanitarian suffering. SBS and The New Arab echoed these concerns, emphasizing international calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian access. Politico highlighted the political debate within Australia and Israel, with Netanyahu asserting that the operation aims to defeat Hamas without occupation, while critics warn of the risks to hostages and civilians. The articles collectively portray a tense international environment, with widespread opposition to Israel's military escalation and fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis.
How we got here
The current conflict stems from a 22-month war initiated by Hamas's attack on Israel in 2023, leading to widespread violence, land disputes, and international diplomatic efforts. Israel aims to defeat Hamas and prevent future threats, while global powers debate recognition of Palestinian statehood amid ongoing violence.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Gaza City, often simply called Gaza, is a city in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, and the capital of the Gaza Governorate. Located on the Mediterranean coast, 76.6 kilometres (47.6 mi) southwest of Jerusalem, it was home to Palestine's only port. With a popula
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Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.
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The United Nations Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, charged with ensuring international peace and security, recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly, and approving any changes to the UN
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.