Israel has given residents of Gaza a deadline until October 7 to completely evacuate the war-torn area, ahead of a final assault to destroy Hamas and rescue hostages. Israel emphasized it will seize full control of Gaza City through a bold five-step plan.
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Israel’s security cabinet approved the plan for IDF forces to advance into Gaza City in a final offensive to eliminate Hamas and rescue the hostages.
It should be noted that October 7 marks two years since Hamas launched an attack against Israeli civilians that claimed the lives of over 1,200 people. That attack triggered a deadly conflict in Gaza, as Israel retaliated with ground assaults and missile strikes. The IDF will attempt to relocate Gaza City’s population to the southern Strip before launching their assault.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the decision misguided, however Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that the only plan for real security for Israel is complete military control of Gaza. He stated that his country is “on track to ensure Gaza will never again pose a threat to Israel.”
Israel’s red lines
Israel’s cabinet also signed off on five guiding principles for ending the war:
- First and foremost is the disarmament of Hamas and its complete dissolution.
- The return of all hostages is a non-negotiable pillar of the plan. Approximately 50 hostages remain held in Gaza – with officials estimating only 20 are alive. Negotiations for their release collapsed in July.
- Another core principle is the demilitarization of the Strip. Israel seeks to eliminate all infrastructure, from weapons factories to underground tunnels. The goal is to create a dead zone.
- Israel also insists on maintaining security control in Gaza.
- Additionally, the war will end for Israel “only when an alternative political administration is established, which will be neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority.”
