Title: Israeli President Advocates for Continued Presence in Gaza, While US President Opposes Occupation
Israel and the United States are engaged in a heated debate over the governance and future of Gaza, with Israeli President Isaac Herzog pushing for a “very strong force” to prevent the resurgence of Hamas. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden warns against occupying Gaza, labeling it as a “big mistake.” These statements come amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, marked by raids on Gaza hospitals and the hostage-taking by Hamas militants.
President Herzog has been discussing different ideas for the governance of Gaza post-war, including potential involvement from neighboring countries and the United States. In contrast, President Biden emphasizes the importance of a two-state solution as the only viable means to resolve the Israel-Palestinian conflict. The Palestinian Authority views Gaza as an integral part of a future Palestinian state.
Presently, Israel has not proposed a concrete plan for governing Gaza after the war. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel would maintain overall security responsibility indefinitely. The Israeli military has identified Al Shifa hospital in Gaza as a focal point, alleging that Hamas stored weapons and ran a command center in tunnels beneath the facility.
Israeli forces have conducted multiple raids on Al Shifa hospital, aiming to recover weapons and ammunition. Biden accuses Hamas of committing war crimes by positioning their military headquarters beneath a hospital, a claim that Hamas strongly denies. In response, Hamas calls for an international committee to verify the situation.
Condemnation from the international community continues to pour in. Jordan strongly denounces Israel’s shelling around their field hospital in Gaza and plans to take legal and political action. The United Nations Security Council has called for immediate humanitarian pauses in the fighting and the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
Efforts to negotiate a temporary pause in the fighting are underway, although Israel has rejected calls for a ceasefire. Mediators from Qatar are engaging in talks to secure a deal that includes a three-day truce and the release of captives from both sides.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, the delivery of fuel to Gaza provides some respite, although it falls short of fully alleviating the shortages caused by the blockade. Iran’s Supreme Leader has informed the head of Hamas that while they will not enter the war directly, they will continue to provide political and moral support.
As the conflict escalates, the eyes of the world remain fixed on Gaza, awaiting eagerly the resolution of this ongoing crisis.
