The Israeli government is at a crossroads, deciding whether to pursue a ceasefire or reoccupy Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly ordered the Israeli army to conquer Gaza, despite opposition from the army’s Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir. This decision is supported by hardline ministers such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who are part of Netanyahu’s rightwing coalition.
The Israeli army’s recent military offensive in Gaza, Operation Gideon’s Chariots, has ended, but the aftermath continues to stir controversy. Israeli cabinet member, Zeev Elkin, has threatened to annex parts of Gaza as a negotiation tactic against Hamas in ceasefire talks. Meanwhile, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff has been visiting Israel and Gaza, meeting with families of Israeli captives and touring the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) centers. Witkoff claims there is no starvation in Gaza, a statement that 17 international human rights organizations have disputed, citing evidence of real and deadly starvation.
Israel has objected to Hamas’s response to Witkoff’s ceasefire proposal, particularly regarding the Israeli military withdrawal maps and the exchange of bodies of slain Israeli captives for living Palestinian prisoners. Amidst these negotiations, Hamas’s armed wing released video footage of a starving Israeli captive, sparking protests and comments from Netanyahu. The Israeli cabinet has since requested the International Committee of the Red Cross to ensure food entry for Israeli captives. In response, Hamas has agreed to cooperate with the Red Cross, provided a permanent humanitarian corridor is established for Gaza and Israeli military aircraft cease flight over the Strip during aid entry. Hamas has stated it will return to talks once the starvation ends.