As mediators attempt to facilitate the next phase of the ceasefire agreement, Israel continues to expand its military operations in Gaza and the West Bank. Analysts view this as a deliberate effort to perpetuate a state of conflict and solidify its occupation of more than half of the Gaza Strip.
Simultaneous to the escalation in Gaza, which includes airstrikes and demolitions, Israeli forces have initiated a large-scale operation in the northern West Bank, despite calls for a transition to the next stage of the war cessation agreement. According to Maariv, the Israeli army launched the operation following intelligence suggesting an increase in potential Palestinian operations and the formation of armed groups.
Concurrently, four Palestinians were reportedly killed in Israeli strikes targeting Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, the Maghazi refugee camp in central Gaza, and Bani Suheila in Khan Yunis in the south. Buildings were also demolished north of Rafah and east of Gaza City.
The Government Media Office has documented approximately 500 violations of the agreement since its implementation six weeks ago, resulting in the deaths of 350 Palestinians, injuries to over 900, and the arrest of nearly 40 individuals.
According to Dr. Muhannad Mustafa, an expert on Israeli affairs, this escalation in Gaza and the West Bank, coinciding with similar actions in Lebanon, is aimed at maintaining active conflict zones. He suggests that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is attempting to appease his extremist voter base after failing to expand normalization agreements and secure regional gains following the cessation of hostilities in Gaza.
Dr. Mustafa stated that Netanyahu, facing scrutiny from the International Criminal Court, is now reverting to the original war objectives of occupation and displacement. Furthermore, he aims to prevent the establishment of any national infrastructure in the West Bank, thereby eliminating any prospect of an independent Palestinian state. He added that Israel fears unrest in the West Bank due to unprecedented pressure and historical annexation efforts under the guise of war, and will continue its operations regardless of whether resistance groups in Gaza disarm. The recent operation in Tubas aligns with this broader strategy.
