TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel’s decision to take over Gaza City was met with resignation and defiance by Palestinians who have survived two years of war and repeated raids. Many Israelis responded with fear and anger, worried it could be a death sentence for hostages held in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that Israel would intensify its 22-month war with Hamas by taking over Gaza City, large parts of which have been destroyed by past bombardment and ground incursions.
A major ground operation is almost sure to cause more mass displacement and worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
“What does (Israel) want from us? … There is nothing here to occupy,” said a woman in Gaza City who identified herself as Umm Youssef. “There is no life here. I have to walk every day for more than 15 minutes to get drinking water.”
Ruby Chen, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen whose son, Itay, is a hostage held in Gaza, told The Associated Press that the decision puts the remaining hostages in danger.
“What is the plan now that is different from the last 22 months?” he said.
I see you’re desperate to derail the conversation again now that your first attempt has failed. It’s painfully obvious and does your monstrosity of a cause no good, so you should consider stopping. I won’t dignify this with a response since you and everyone else reading this knows exactly what I was going to say, but I’ll just note that in the comment you’re responding to, the word “Hamas” appears exactly zero times.
Maybe too many people have blocked you or something, so I’m not sure if you just can’t see that Hamas is the entire discussion of this thread from the first comments.
It’s no surprise to me that someone would fling accusations rather than responding with anything substantive, although that’s not me. I’ve made the point, and provided widely available and globally relied upon sources. You have replied with name calling and rhetoric, so I am okay with your decision not to respond. Probably better for both of us.