Deadline Linked to October 7 Anniversary
October 7 marks two years since Hamas carried out an attack that killed over 1,200 Israeli civilians. Israel has since engaged in military operations involving ground offensives and missile strikes in Gaza. The Israeli security cabinet has now approved a plan for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to advance into Gaza City in what is intended to be the final stage of the conflict.
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Israel Evacuation Plan for Gaza City
The IDF aims to move over one million residents from Gaza City to the south of the Strip before launching the operation. This relocation is intended to protect civilians while allowing Israel to target remaining Hamas strongholds. The same process will reportedly be carried out across the Gaza Strip until all areas are under Israeli control.
Objective to End Hamas Control
Israel’s stated goal is to end Hamas’s military presence and influence in Gaza. Once operations conclude, control of Gaza could be transferred to allied Arab states or a neutral civil administration. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel does not intend to permanently govern Gaza but will maintain security oversight to prevent future threats.
International Reactions and Political Statements
The plan has faced criticism, including from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called it “wrong.” Netanyahu, however, insists full military control is necessary to ensure lasting security. He has suggested that Gaza’s governance should be handled by an authority that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority.Also Read: Wednesday Season 3: Expected release date, cast members, guest stars, new faces, possible plot, what to expect and episode count predictions
Israel’s Five-Step Plan to Conclude the War
The Israeli cabinet has approved five guiding principles to end the conflict:
- Complete Disarmament of Hamas – The group must be dismantled entirely to prevent further attacks.
- Return of All Hostages – About 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with an estimated 20 still alive.
- Demilitarisation of Gaza – All terrorist infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons factories, will be destroyed.
- Israeli Security Oversight – Continued military presence to prevent regrouping of hostile forces.
- Alternative Civil Administration – Governance to be handed to a neutral body supported by Arab states.
Hostage Crisis and Negotiation Stalemate
Negotiations for hostage release broke down in July. Israel has stressed that no agreement to end the conflict will be accepted unless all hostages, living or deceased, are returned. Videos showing hostages in poor condition have heightened international pressure.
Future Governance and Security Measures
Netanyahu has proposed that a civilian administration not aligned with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority should take over Gaza’s day-to-day operations. Israel’s aim is for Gaza to have a future free from militant control while ensuring security for its own citizens.
FAQs
Why has Israel set the October 7 deadline for Gaza evacuation?
Israel chose October 7 as it marks two years since Hamas’s 2023 attack. The deadline allows civilians to move before a planned final military operation to eliminate Hamas.
What are Israel’s main objectives in Gaza after the operation?
Israel aims to dismantle Hamas, return hostages, destroy militant infrastructure, maintain security oversight, and hand over Gaza governance to a neutral administration supported by Arab states.
