Description: The Israeli government moved forward with its plans for the complete occupation of the Gaza Strip by launching the military operation Gideon Chariots II focusing on encircling Gaza City. Prime Minister Netanyahu and his government had further stated that up to 60 thousand reserve troops would be activated and the initial operations would begin in the next couple of days. Settlement expansions in the West Bank were also approved in the E1 land tract area where several apartment complexes are expected to be built, a move strongly condemned by the international community. Israel’s military has reportedly commenced operations on the perimeters of the city where they recently engaged in armed fighting with 15 Hamas militants in close range combat in Khan Younis. The announcement arrives after Hamas accepted the latest ceasefire proposal imposing no additional amendments while Israel has renounced the initiative stating it’s not interested in partial agreements and demanded the complete release of all the hostages in Hamas’ captivity.
Impact: Israel has effectively stated no interest in further negotiations and fully compromised the ceasefire initiative through the launch of the military offensive on Gaza City. Despite experiencing pressure from its own population to cease combat operations and mounting pressure from the international community, Prime Minister Netanyahu has succumbed to the internal political influence of far -right elements within his own government and pushed forward with the military operation. Israel previously stated it would deliver its response to the ceasefire proposal by Friday, however, by commencing the large-scale military operation the prospects of peace remain heavily contested and uncertain. With Syria and Lebanon collapsing in front of Israel’s demands, the military offensive substantially diminishes the ceasefire chances, as Israel is likely to draw considerable concessions through the US mediated talks between Israel and Syria in Paris, regarding the cessation of armed hostilities in the conflict-ridden southern parts of the country. The next couple of days would be crucial in determining future steps in the war as the continuation of the humanitarian devastation and internal displacement of civilians would increase.