Israel’s announcement of an escalation in its “war” on Gaza and its intention to occupy Gaza includes a plan to “move” Gazans:
“Population will be moved, for its own protection,” Netanyahu said in a video posted on X.
Where to?
National security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir gives a clue:
The only aid that ought to enter Gaza should be for voluntary migration, to allow them to emigrate voluntarily
And – that is a no to aid from Mr Ben Gvir:
As long as there are hostages no food, no electricity, and no other aid should be allowed – neither by the [Israeli military] nor by civil society.
Which is, any way you cut it, a war crime. [2]
Smotrich – the settler leader and finance Minister is also clear:
We are finally going to occupy the Gaza Strip. We will stop being afraid of the word ‘occupation,’” Smotrich told journalist from Israel’s Channel 12
How is the EU responding to this announcement of genocide and ethnic cleansing? The EU is still concerned:
The European Union is concerned at the planned extension of the operation by Israeli forces in Gaza, which will result in further casualties and suffering for the Palestinian population. We urge Israel to exercise the utmost restraint, [1]
Oh well; no doubt Israel will be “urged”.
I think it is pretty simple. From Netanyahu’s point of view the only possible way he can save his political position, (and given the issues with a corruption trial, possibly his freedom as well), after October 7 is to be the Israeli leader who “absolutely” (his word) eliminates Hamas. Anything short of that and he would have to go. And, obviously there is also a background, now foreground, drumbeat of settlers who want to seize the moment and fulfill a no doubt long-standing aim to occupy Gaza, either forcing the remaining Palestinians into a small enclave, or getting rid of them altogether.
Notes: