Tel Aviv – Amid renewed fighting in Gaza, a senior Israeli official has warned that nearly the entire enclave will face the same fate as the decimated north. The pause in hostilities and the release of hostages led to a brief truce, but the Israeli military has shifted focus to the south of the strip and plans to launch a long-term campaign to defeat Hamas.
Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, the International Spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces, stated, “We are not going to stop the fighting and allow Hamas to continue governing Gaza.” The military plans to target major cities in southern Gaza with equal intensity as the North. An attempted ceasefire led to the release of hostages, but fighting resumed after Hamas militants fired rockets into Israeli territory.
Despite an increase in aid, southern Gaza still faces food, water, and medicine shortages. In addition, civilians have been urged to stay in a “safe zone” in Al-Mawasi, a small coastal strip. While this solution may not be perfect, it is the best available option, according to Conricus.
The increased airstrikes have led to heavy destruction in Gaza City, and Israel has come under criticism for controversial military strikes. The bombardment will intensify in areas Gazans were told to flee, presenting extreme challenges. Israel claims that Al-Mawasi will be safe, but the constraints of space and infrastructure pose difficulties for the civilians.
The film reminiscent of the massacres on Oct. 7 suggests that the Israeli military is compelled to eliminate Hamas. Although the scenes are horrific, Israel insists that its actions are necessary to achieve a long-term peace.
