Credited from: MIDDLEEASTEYE
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is advancing a controversial proposal to annex parts of the Gaza Strip, aimed at appeasing far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and other coalition members, according to multiple sources, including aa, trtglobal, and middleeasteye.
Under this plan, Israel would grant Hamas a limited timeframe to agree to a ceasefire, after which it would begin annexing parts of the enclave until Hamas capitulates. This strategy has reportedly garnered the backing of the Trump administration, emphasizing its political implications for Netanyahu's government as it faces internal pressures from far-right factions, especially given Smotrich's recent threats of resignation over humanitarian aid policies, according to africanews and middleeasteye.
The proposal has intensified the already-heightened political atmosphere in Israel, coinciding with military announcements to authorize limited humanitarian aid. Despite these actions, international organizations continue to label Israeli measures as insufficient, with calls growing for a more comprehensive approach to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which reports indicate is leading to devastating famine conditions, according to aa and trtglobal.
Moreover, Netanyahu's strategies reflect a significant shift in Israel's approach after over 20 months of conflict. Discussions have emerged around establishing an administrative body to control annexed areas, while concerns about a proposed "humanitarian city" continue to face criticism. Such developments, as reported by middleeasteye and africanews, signal an alarming trajectory in the Israeli government's long-term plans for Gaza.