Context:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an escalated military campaign in Gaza, involving a significant increase in Israeli forces and the relocation of Palestinians to the south. This decision follows an 18-month conflict with Hamas, during which Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza, leading to severe humanitarian conditions. The intensified military action aims to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages and dismantling its infrastructure, although critics argue it endangers hostages and may not resolve the conflict. The operation is set to start slowly in anticipation of ongoing cease-fire negotiations, with the potential for expansion if talks fail. Despite the military focus, there is international pressure and domestic criticism urging a political solution to end the hostilities and secure the hostages' release.

Dive Deeper:

• Benjamin Netanyahu declared a new military strategy in Gaza, approved by the security cabinet, which involves deploying tens of thousands of additional Israeli soldiers to seize and hold territory while relocating Palestinians southward.

• The conflict, ongoing for 18 months, has seen Israel blockade and bombard Gaza, with humanitarian aid blocked, causing severe deprivation among Palestinians, and negotiations to release hostages have stalled.

• Critics of Netanyahu's plan, both domestically and internationally, argue that the escalated military campaign risks the lives of hostages and is unlikely to change the conflict's dynamics, which began with a deadly Hamas attack in October 2023.

• The Israeli offensive includes a strategy to move Gaza's population for their protection and involves capturing more territory, but not a permanent occupation, while international objections to forced relocations loom.

• The Israeli military's call-up of reservists and the expansion of operations are seen as Netanyahu's response to hard-line supporters, though questions remain on how this military intensification will achieve long-term goals.

• The Trump administration has sought a new cease-fire, but Hamas demands the end of the war and Israeli withdrawal, while Israel insists on Hamas disarming, a demand the group refuses.

• The conflict has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths and the release of some hostages, but the fate of remaining hostages remains a critical issue, with calls for prioritizing their safe return.