JERUSALEM. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a controversial proposal to cut off humanitarian aid to northern Gaza, as part of a broader plan to intensify pressure on Hamas militants. The plan, put forward by a group of retired generals, aims to force the evacuation of civilians from the northern third of Gaza, including Gaza City, before declaring the area a closed military zone. Those remaining would be denied food, water, medicine, and fuel, effectively sealing them off from humanitarian assistance.
Under the proposed “Generals’ Plan,” Palestinians would be given one week to leave the area. After that, those who stay behind would be regarded as combatants, according to a copy of the plan obtained by the Associated Press. The plan’s architect, Giora Eiland, a former head of Israel’s National Security Council, believes that starving Hamas of aid and trapping the militants in the north is the only way to break their resistance. “They will either have to surrender or starve,” Eiland said, though he insisted that the goal was not to kill every person left behind. “People will not be able to live there. The water will dry up.”
Although no official decision has been made, the plan has reportedly been reviewed by Netanyahu and other key government officials. A senior Israeli official confirmed that Netanyahu has studied the proposal, though its full implementation remains uncertain.
Human Rights Concerns and International Reactions
Human rights organizations are raising alarms over the potential humanitarian catastrophe this plan could trigger. Critics argue that the proposal violates international law, which prohibits using starvation as a weapon of war and forcibly transferring civilians. Tania Hary, executive director of Gisha, an Israeli human rights organization, expressed concern, saying, “I’m most concerned by how the plan seems to say that if the population is given a chance to evacuate and they don’t, then somehow they all turn into legitimate military targets, which is absolutely not the case.”
The U.S. State Department also expressed its opposition to any plan that would involve Israel reoccupying Gaza. Spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated that the U.S., along with the international community, opposes the idea of shrinking Gaza or imposing long-term control over any part of the territory.
Conditions in Northern Gaza Worsen
The humanitarian situation in northern Gaza continues to deteriorate. Since September 30, no trucks carrying food, water, or medicine have been allowed to enter the region, according to the United Nations. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, warned that “hunger is spreading” and that at least 400,000 people remain trapped in northern Gaza with little access to basic supplies.
Efforts by Israeli troops to isolate Gaza City have already led to roadblocks and checkpoints, making it difficult for residents to escape to the south. “North Gaza is now divided into two parts,” said Dr. Rana Soloh of Kamal Adwan Hospital. “There are checkpoints and inspections, and not everyone can cross easily.”
As the situation worsens, many Palestinians fear that fleeing to the south offers no real safety. Jomana Elkhalili, a 26-year-old aid worker in Gaza City, voiced the sentiments of many residents. “They will not make the mistake again. We know the place there is not safe,” she said, referring to the dismal conditions in southern Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of displaced people are crammed into tent camps.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
