Netanyahu considers Gaza siege plan amid hostage crisis and humanitarian toll

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering plans to besiege the northern part of the Gaza Strip to destroy Palestinian Hamas. Civilians living in this area would have one week to evacuate, after which the north territory would become a closed military zone. After this period, anyone found there would be a target.

This plan was devised by retired Israeli army commanders. The Prime Minister presented it during a session of the parliamentary committee on foreign and defence affairs, media reported on Sunday.

Retired General Giora Eiland, one of the plan's architects, explained that the northern part of the Gaza Strip would become a military zone, where "every figure is a target and, most importantly, no supplies enter this territory".

The General also explained that "a siege is not only an effective military tactic but is also compliant with international law." Eiland noted that Hamas fighters who surrendered would receive water and food. "Those who remain surrender or die from starvation," Eiland explained.

As reported by the Times of Israel, such a strategy is not, however, supported by the United States authorities. It is also unclear when and if Palestinian civilians could return to the areas involved in the operation, CNN adds.

The northern part of the Gaza Strip is the most devastated area during the nearly year-long ongoing war. Approximately 300,000 people live on this devastated territory. Prime Minister Netanyahu is also said to have told parliamentarians that this strategy is one of the plans being considered and will be further discussed.

During the session, the Prime Minister said that according to the information provided to him, half of the 97 hostages kidnapped on 7th October 2023 are still alive and being held in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli army previously confirmed the death of 33 hostages.

In total, 251 people were abducted on 7th October. Some of them were later released or exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, some were killed, and the Israeli military recovered their bodies.

Nearly 1,200 people were killed during the Hamas raid. As a result of the ensuing war in the Gaza Strip, over 41,200 Palestinians have died, according to the local health ministry. The Gaza Strip is in ruins, a humanitarian crisis prevails there, and most residents are internally displaced.