Western media reports stated on Sunday that Israeli Prime Minister “Benjamin Netanyahu” may seek during his visit to the United States to request approval from US President “Donald Trump” to carry out a new military operation in the Gaza Strip.
Western media quoted Israeli sources as saying that “Netanyahu” may try to obtain American approval to launch another military operation in Gaza before proceeding with the second phase of the ceasefire agreement there. The sources explained that this operation may be presented as a final “show” of Israeli force, and for “Netanyahu” himself, with the aim of appeasing his partners in the ruling coalition in Tel Aviv before making any further concessions on the Gaza issue.
The Israeli sources indicated that “Netanyahu’s” plan may include developing a comprehensive package of relations, including obtaining security guarantees related to Iran and Lebanon.
In a related context, Israeli Channel 13 quoted officials as saying that “Netanyahu” will ask “Trump” for a “green light to intensify attacks in Lebanon.” The officials also expressed concerns that “Trump” would ask “Netanyahu” to withdraw the Israeli army from the areas behind the Blue Line in Gaza, in addition to another concern about the possibility of “Trump” demanding the opening of the Rafah crossing in both directions.
On the other hand, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East “UNRWA” “Philippe Lazzarini,” warned on Sunday of a significant deterioration in the suffering of the residents of the Gaza Strip with the arrival of the harsh winter, in light of the continued repercussions of the Israeli war for more than two years.
“Lazzarini” stressed that relief aid is not arriving in sufficient quantities, noting that “UNRWA” has the ability to immediately double its humanitarian efforts if aid is allowed to flow into the besieged sector without restrictions.
It is worth mentioning that the war in the Gaza Strip broke out on October 7, 2023, after Hamas announced the start of Operation “Al-Aqsa Flood,” and Israel responded by declaring a state of war and launching a large-scale military campaign that included heavy bombing, followed by ground operations inside the sector.
With the escalation of military operations and the worsening of the humanitarian disaster, regional and international mediations intensified, especially by Egypt and Qatar, with the support of the United States, to reach understandings that would pave the way for a ceasefire.
These efforts resulted in reaching a humanitarian truce agreement, the first phase of which came into effect on October 10, and included a temporary cessation of hostilities, the release of batches of detainees from both sides, in addition to the introduction of urgent humanitarian aid to the sector.
This truce came after about two years of war, which, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, led to the martyrdom of more than 70,000 Palestinians and the injury of approximately 170,000 others.
