Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Israel is reportedly preparing a new military plan that would involve the complete occupation of Gaza City and the evacuation of nearly 900,000 of its residents, according to a report aired by Israel’s Channel 12. The plan, which marks a significant escalation in Israel’s military strategy, comes amid growing tensions both domestically and internationally over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The report indicates that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are set to launch a broad ground offensive in the heart of Gaza. Before the operation begins, the IDF is expected to issue evacuation orders to civilians, urging them to leave the city to avoid being caught in the fighting. This move would set the stage for Israeli forces to assume full control over Gaza’s central urban area something not seen since Israel’s disengagement from the Strip in 2005.
If implemented, the operation would trigger one of the largest forced displacements of civilians in recent history. Analysts warn that such a massive evacuation could lead to an acute humanitarian crisis, with critical shortages of food, water, shelter, and medical care for displaced populations.
The report comes amid stark divisions between Israel’s political leadership and its military command. While government officials have increasingly leaned toward maximalist military solutions, Israel’s Chief of General Staff has publicly cautioned against a full occupation of Gaza. In earlier remarks, the army chief warned that a complete takeover of the densely populated enclave could drag Israel into a prolonged and costly conflict, comparing it to America’s quagmire in Vietnam.
He described the potential consequences as falling into a “black hole” from which Israel may find it difficult to extricate itself.
Despite these internal disagreements, no official statement has yet been made by the Israeli military regarding the timeline or final scope of the plan. However, the leak itself reflects a growing urgency within Israel’s security establishment to shift the course of the war, now dragging into its second year with no clear end in sight.
International observers are closely watching developments, with mounting concerns about the humanitarian and geopolitical implications of such a military escalation. Diplomats from several countries have already begun to call for restraint, urging all parties to consider the human cost of continued warfare in one of the most densely populated regions on earth.
As of now, the region remains on edge, awaiting further signals from Jerusalem about whether this bold and controversial plan will move forward.
