Palestinians in Gaza City are determined to stay in their homes despite Israel’s approved plan for a military takeover of the city. The plan has drawn sharp criticism from several European countries, the EU Council, and China, with Hamas condemning it as a “new war crime.” According to reports, four more people have starved to death in the last 24 hours, bringing the total since October 7 to 201.
The Israeli military’s plan aims to dismantle Hamas’s hold on Gaza City, but critics argue it will worsen the humanitarian crisis. Rob Geist Pinfold, an international security lecturer at King’s College London, believes the plan is “purely political” and lacks military logic. “It’s using the military for a political end,” he said, adding that the goal is to make Gaza “even more unlivable” and potentially displace its residents.
The international community has widely condemned Israel’s plan, with the UN human rights chief warning of “more massive forced displacement” and “more killing” if the plan goes ahead. Germany has suspended military exports to Israel over concerns about the Gaza City operation, while the UK, China, Turkey, and the UN have all urged Israel to reconsider. Arab Gulf states are supporting mediation efforts to avoid a full reoccupation of Gaza.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with the UN warning of famine and food supplies critically low. At least 99 people have died from malnutrition this year, and 12,000 children under five are suffering from acute malnutrition. The Israeli military’s plan could block key relief routes and worsen conditions for civilians already in desperate need.
Palestinians in Gaza City are determined to resist the Israeli takeover. Samira Shahd said, “We will never leave here. We don’t have any energy to move towards the south. We will stay here till we die here.” Nader Abu Shahla added, “I had enough displacement and I had enough starvation… My final decision is to stay here and die here.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel does not intend to govern Gaza long-term but wants to establish a “security perimeter” before handing control to Arab forces. However, the plan’s details and timeline remain uncertain, with reports suggesting it may be the first phase of a wider takeover.
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