Context:

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced an intensified military campaign in Gaza, involving a forceful entry and relocation of Palestinians to the south, following 18 months of ongoing conflict. The decision, perceived as an effort to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages and dismantle its infrastructure, has drawn criticism for potentially endangering hostages and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Despite the blockade of humanitarian aid and failed cease-fire talks, Israel plans to deploy additional soldiers, aiming to capture more territory without permanently occupying Gaza. The strategic escalation is also seen as a response to domestic pressures to eradicate Hamas, although doubts remain about its effectiveness in achieving Israel's goals. Critics, including opposition leaders and hostage families, urge prioritization of hostages and caution against further military escalation without clear objectives.

Dive Deeper:

• Prime Minister Netanyahu's plan involves a 'forceful entry' into Gaza with additional troops aimed at seizing territory and relocating Palestinians southwards, amidst ongoing conflict and a collapsed cease-fire.

• Critics argue that the military escalation could jeopardize the remaining hostages and worsen the humanitarian situation in Gaza, where aid has been blocked for over two months.

• The new military campaign is intended to increase pressure on Hamas to release hostages and dismantle its infrastructure, although the strategy's effectiveness remains in question.

• Netanyahu's decision is partly seen as a political move to appease hard-line supporters dissatisfied with the military's progress in defeating Hamas.

• Opposition voices and hostage families express grave concerns about the escalation, urging a focus on securing the hostages' release rather than expanding military operations.

• The Israeli government claims the military's efforts have previously pressured Hamas into releasing hostages and accepting cease-fires, although this has not resolved the underlying conflict.

• The Israeli military plans to deploy several brigades to achieve operational superiority in Gaza, but the long-term goals and implications of this strategy remain undefined.