Northern Gaza offensive driven by 'hardline ideology aimed at resettlement,' says Israeli analyst

By Abderaouf Arnaout

JERUSALEM (AA) - The Israeli army's offensives in northern Gaza are driven by a "hardline ideology aimed at resettlement" and preventing Palestinians from returning, military analyst Amos Harel stated in his latest article for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, published on Friday.

Harel warned that if hostage negotiations fail, the Israeli army will launch another offensive in Gaza.

He emphasized that the military sees this as an opportunity not only to defeat Hamas but also to reestablish settlements in Gaza based on religious nationalist ideology and to prevent any future withdrawal.

Since the war began, Israel has forcibly displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from northern Gaza to the south, with no prospect of their return. The displacement, as well as the widespread destruction and violence, continue.

Despite three months of intense fighting in the Jabalia refugee camp, which included widespread killing and the complete destruction of homes, Harel believes it is difficult to claim a strategic victory over Hamas.

Harel highlighted discussions within Israel about imposing civilian administration in Gaza with Israeli oversight.

Proposals include building logistical hubs on Gaza's coast to distribute humanitarian aid and establishing "closed communities" in northern Gaza, where Palestinians would live in tents under military supervision with controlled entry and exit.

He referred to ongoing plans, including the so-called "Generals’ Plan," to transform northern Gaza into a closed military zone.

In private discussions, Harel noted the use of the term "Chernobyl Gaza" to describe a strategy of rendering northern Gaza, including areas like the Netzarim Corridor, uninhabitable through a total destruction of infrastructure.

Harel concluded by stating that any discussion of Palestinians returning to Gaza would follow only after the comprehensive destruction of the region’s infrastructure. He described the concept of "Chernobyl Gaza" as "horrific."

The Israeli army has continued a genocidal war on Gaza that has killed more than 45,500 victims, mostly women and children, since a Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.

In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its deadly war on Gaza.

*Writing by Ikram Kouachi in Istanbul