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Seize Gaza, or make it uninhabitable. That’s Netanyahu’s plan – and either way he wins | Yair Wallach

The talk of a major new offensive may be strategic bluster, but either way it serves a purpose. It shows extremist policy is now mainstreamAfter two months of daily bombings, raids and a total blockade preventing the entry of food and medication to Gaza, Israel approved a military plan on Monday it claims will bring about the final destruction of Hamas. The intensified offensive by the Israel Defense Forces will aim to occupy large parts of the strip and maintain a permanent Israeli presence there. It has been dubbed Operation Gideon’s Chariots – but it might be more accurate to call it the Roadmap to Hell. More of the population would be forced into an ever-shrinking “humanitarian zone”, while Israel explores options for their permanent displacement from the strip altogether.While Israeli officials explain that the renewed onslaught would help to release hostages, it is abundantly clear that intensifying military operations would only put them at greater risk. Hostages’ families have reacted to the cabinet’s announcement with deep concern. There are still 59 Israelis held in Gaza – and it is assumed that 24 of them are alive. While Israel is willing to agree to a truce in return for hostage release, it refuses categorically to negotiate a permanent ceasefire.Yair Wallach is a reader in Israeli studies and head of the Centre for Jewish Studies at Soas University of London Continue reading...

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