Israel plans major Gaza operation to challenge Hamas
The Wall Street Journal reports that Israeli authorities plan to conduct a large-scale ground operation in the Gaza Strip. According to the newspaper, the leadership of Israel believes that capturing and maintaining a significant part of the Palestinian enclave will allow them to achieve a decisive victory over Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his close associates believe that, with the support of offensive actions by the new U.S. administration and the weakening of Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Israeli army has the capability to carry out a substantial ground operation in the Gaza Strip, writes The Wall Street Journal.
The newspaper notes, however, that to secure a definitive victory over Hamas, Israel would have to completely destroy the underground tunnel system employed by the organization. According to the WSJ, this could take several months or even years.
Critics of Netanyahu's new strategy argue that eliminating the radical organization without a political resolution to the conflict is simply not feasible.
Israel announces ground operation
The Israeli army announced on March 19 that it has begun a "precise" ground operation in the Gaza Strip. The goal of this operation is to expand the buffer zone and regain control over the Netzarim corridor, which divides Palestinian territory into southern and northern parts.
The decision to initiate the ground actions followed the resumption of attacks on the Gaza Strip, which had previously been conducted from the air and sea.
What's next for negotiations between Israel and Hamas?
Israel launched a new offensive, emphasizing that this is a reaction to Hamas' rejection of further proposals to extend the truce. Negotiations on this issue have stalled.
The Israeli government pressured Hamas to agree to extend the ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages and a promise to negotiate a lasting truce. Hamas has declared its willingness to engage in talks, but only under the condition of halting the fighting.
