Netanyahu relies on total control: Gaza threatens humanitarian catastrophe!

Netanyahu relies on total control: Gaza threatens humanitarian catastrophe!

Gazastreifen, Palästina - The persistent arguments in the Gaza Strip have led to an increased military offensive of Israel. The new operation bears the name "Gideon's Lear" and aims at the destruction of Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that the conflict does not end until this goal is achieved. You assume many dead and the displacement of numerous Palestinian families. Netanyahu, who is considered a political survivor, uses the war to secure his power in office. He sees himself as the only instrument to ensure Israel's security.

On October 7, 2023, a devastating massacre of Hamas, in which over 1200 people were killed and 250. Netanyahu dismisses any responsibility for these incidents and rejects an investigation that could question his possible joint responsibility. His attitude against terrorism is strongly shaped by the severe family history, especially of the death of his brother Yonathan in an anti-terrorist mission in 1976. In addition, Netanyahu is viewed by international and national critics as a planner of a policy that could be perceived as an ethnic cleaning.

The military offensive and its consequences

According to current reports, Israel plans to conquer 75 percent of the Gaza Strip within a few weeks. Israel is currently checking 40 percent of the area. In this context, all regular infantry and armored brigades were laid in the coastal strips to support the offensive. This measure comes while the humanitarian situation deteriorates drastically. The Israeli army plans to destroy everything that is regarded as an infrastructure of Hamas, and the liberation of remaining hostages remains a central goal.

The international community reacts to the escalation. CDU foreign politician Armin Laschet criticized Israel's approach as contrary to international law. In the meantime, the Israeli government has approved aid deliveries for the Gaza Strip, however, only to an insufficient level. The UNRWA pointed out that the residents of the Gaza Strip feel nowhere and the sanitary conditions are catastrophic. Oxfam even requires a stop of arms deliveries to Israel to improve the humanitarian situation.

Humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip

The humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is devastating; Information about the exact conditions is difficult to verify. Persistent struggles and attacks on the Gaza Strip, including the Chan Yunis refugee camp, make the situation worse. Reports of Palestinian news agencies have reported at least 28 dead, while the Israeli army has so far not made any statement. In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the conditions for vaccination campaigns could not be observed, which is particularly favored by the reduced security in the areas. A campaign for polio vaccination had to be interrupted because the second vaccination round could not be carried out fully.

The humanitarian situation is still classified as worrying. Although 100 trucks have arrived with relief goods last week, local sources report on an inadequate distribution of these goods in many areas, especially in the north. German Welthungerhilfe already warns of a potential famine.

With the compacting fights in the Gaza Strip and the escalation of the conflicts in the Middle East, it remains to be seen which further steps the international community will take to prevent a humanitarian disaster and to defuse the ongoing conflict. Political actors strive for binding arms rest and improving humanitarian aid, while Netanyahu's politics are still considered controversial.

The complex situation requires quick and effective action, both on humanitarian and political level.

More information can be found at Tagesspiegel , fr.de and SRF .