The Israeli political cabinet gave its green light on Sunday, May 4 in the evening, to a new phase of the military offensive in Gaza, explicitly including the “conquest” of certain areas of the Palestinian enclave. The announcement, made by Israeli Minister Zeev Elkin, marks a major intensification in an already deadly conflict that has lasted for more than a year and a half.
The plan, unanimously approved, also provides for the promotion of the “voluntary departure” of Gazaouis to third countries. A measure that is part of a broader project, defended for several months by Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu and inspired by the so-called “Trump Plan”. The latter aims to reshape the demography of the Gaza strip by pushing its inhabitants to exile, with the downstream of third states.
The Israeli government justifies this strategy as a pressure lever on Hamas to tear a ceasefire favorable to Israel, in particular with a view to the release of the hostages always retained in the enclave. But this strategic choice arouses strong controversy in Israel itself.
The Family Forum, the main organization representing relatives of the hostages, strongly denounced the decision. In a press release, he accused the government of “preferring the territory to hostages”, a contrary choice, according to him, to the will of more than 70% of Israeli citizens.
Internationally, this plan arouses strong concerns. The idea of a forced displacement, even under the guise of “volunteering”, reminds some observers dark pages of contemporary history. Several NGOs and Chancellery fear a humanitarian aggravation, while Gaza is already devastated by the bombardments and successive blockade.
The implementation of the plan should coincide with the expected visit of American president Donald Trump in the Middle East from May 13. A diplomatic initiative which aims, among other things, to relaunch a process of de -escalation between Israel and Hamas, although the negotiation conditions seem today more tense than ever.
According to local authorities, more than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the start of the total seat led by Israel in response to the attack on Hamas on October 7, 2023.
