Israel Launches New Military Phase in Gaza City as International Community Pushes for Peace

Escalating Military Operation and Humanitarian Crisis

Israel has initiated a new military phase in Gaza City, with the IDF beginning a gradual call-up of 60,000 reservists as part of a planned operation to capture Gaza City. The latest offensive has already resulted in at least 70 casualties across Gaza since dawn.

As the Israeli military moves to evacuate Gaza City’s entire population, aid organizations are warning of catastrophic consequences. Residents have been told to move south or risk being killed, but the International Committee of the Red Cross warns there is no safety, food, water, or shelter in the designated areas.

Diplomatic Efforts and Peace Negotiations

Recent diplomatic initiatives have gained momentum following an international conference at the UN hosted by Saudi Arabia and France. While Israel’s government opposes the establishment of a Palestinian state and boycotted the event along with the United States, Finland’s foreign minister has described the process as “the most significant international effort in years to create the conditions for a two-state solution.” The immediate priority is ending the nearly two-year-long war between Israel and Hamas.

Humanitarian Aid and International Response

On a positive note, Israel and India have signed a bilateral investment treaty to facilitate mutual investment flows and encourage economic cooperation. The agreement was signed in New Delhi, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich highlighting it as “a strategic step that will open new doors for both Israeli and Indian investors, strengthen Israeli exports, and provide businesses on both sides with certainty.”

However, the humanitarian situation remains critical. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation operates just three distribution sites in Gaza, with aid distribution lasting an average of 23 minutes per day. Jordan, traditionally a major aid corridor, reports increasing difficulties in sending aid convoys, with Israel imposing new customs fees of $300-400 per truck and delays turning what should be a three-hour drive into a 36-hour ordeal.

Looking Ahead

Current negotiations focus on a reported deal that would see the release of all hostages on the first day of a truce, followed by talks to end the war. The US president has indicated Israel’s agreement to the terms, though sources close to Prime Minister Netanyahu suggest he is still weighing the deal, which envisions a six-month framework to permanently end the conflict.