Israel approves plan to occupy Gaza City
According to Israeli media, Katz and Zamir approved plans to occupy Gaza City based on the latest decision taken by the Security and Political Affairs Cabinet.
In addition, Al Jazeera added that the Israeli army has decided to bring forward the call-up of 60,000 reserve soldiers and extend the service of 20,000 reserve soldiers for an extra 40 days.
Earlier on Tuesday, Zamir revealed the stages of the plan to occupy Gaza City, which includes several paths, mainly "reinforcing Israeli army forces in the northern Gaza Strip." Israel's Gaza occupation plan:
On August 8, the Israeli government approved a plan suggested by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to gradually reoccupy the entire Gaza Strip, starting with Gaza City, noting that the plan started today, according to Israeli media, as more soldiers are being called to begin with controlling Gaza City.
According to Al-Jazeera, about 1 million Palestinians are currently living in Gaza City, and the plan outlines displacing them to the south, then encircling the city and carrying out incursions into residential areas.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Jordan Times
6 hours ago
- Jordan Times
National service is part of wider endeavour to invest in human capital — Momani
AMMAN — The reactivation of the national service programme was driven by HRH Crown Prince Hussein's conviction in the importance of this national project in building a generation of disciplined and loyal young Jordanians, Government Communications Minister Mohammad Momani said on Wednesday. He noted that the programm enjoys the direct follow-up of His Majesty King Abdullah, reflecting the leadership's determination to channel youth energy into a productive force for national development. Speaking on a programme, broadcast by the Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army (JAF) Radio, Momani, who is also the government spokesperson, said the government had worked for an entire year to translate this vision into practical steps, restoring national service as a key tool for shaping Jordanian identity and instilling the values of discipline and social responsibility. He stressed that national service is a long-term programme that reflects Jordan's approach to investing in human capital and shaping youth capable of making meaningful contributions to society and the national economy. The programme, he added, will continue under an institutional framework, away from short-term influences, to ensure sustainable impact. The JAF has full responsibility for implementing the programme, overseeing all logistical, administrative, and training aspects to ensure the highest standards of discipline and professionalism, he noted. He said that the programme combines specialised military and field training with interactive cultural and awareness sessions, designed to deepen participants' national consciousness and strengthen their ties with national institutions, foremost among them the army. Momani emphasised that the programme will undergo continuous evaluation, led by the JAF, to measure progress in achieving its goals. Its impact, he said, will gradually be reflected in strengthening young people's sense of commitment and belonging.
Jordan Times
8 hours ago
- Jordan Times
Safadi, Lavrov reiterate strong ties, expanding multi-sector cooperation
- Scholarships, joint committee meetings set to boost bilateral ties, coordinating on regional crises - Jordan, Russia align positions on Gaza, Palestine, Syria, stressing Arab - Peace Initiative only path to lasting peace - Top diplomats stress urgent aid delivery, prisoner exchange deals, int'l recognition of Palestine statehood AMMAN— Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Wednesday held extensive talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, focusing on advancing bilateral cooperation and addressing key regional developments. At a joint press conference, the two ministers reaffirmed the commitment of His Majesty King Abdullah and President Vladimir Putin to strengthening Jordanian-Russian ties across economic, trade, tourism, and cultural sectors, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. Lavrov expressed Russia's interest in deepening its partnership with Jordan, noting that His Majesty King Abdullah will participate in the first Russia-Arab Summit in October and meet with Putin. He also noted that Moscow would host the seventh session of the Russian-Jordanian Joint Committee for Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation before the end of the year, and underscore ongoing cooperation in education, including scholarships for Jordanian students. The Russian minister also pointed to the mutual visa exemption agreement, describing it as an important step to boost tourism and business ties. He said more than 1,500 Jordanian students are currently studying in Russia and praised the visits of Russian Orthodox pilgrims to Jordan's holy sites, especially the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ. On regional developments, Lavrov stressed that Jordan and Russia share aligned positions, particularly regarding Gaza and the West Bank. He called for a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the implementation of prisoner exchange agreements, and intensified efforts to deliver humanitarian aid through UN agencies operating in the Strip. He also underlined Russia's commitment to advancing international recognition of an independent Palestinian state in line with UN resolutions as a path to regional stability. Safadi expressed Jordan's appreciation for Russia's position, saying: 'We appreciate Russia's call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and the delivery of aid to Gaza.' He stressed that Israel must end its aggression and lift the blockade. Safadi warned of the catastrophic repercussions of Israel's 'aggressive and expansionist' policies in Gaza, the destruction of prospects for peace in the occupied West Bank, and its violations in Syria and Lebanon. He also reiterated Jordan's efforts, under His Majesty's leadership, to stop the massacres and alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis. The foreign minister voiced Jordan's support for mediation efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the US to secure a prisoner exchange deal that could pave the way for a permanent ceasefire, facilitate humanitarian access, and revive prospects for a political solution. He stressed that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, remains the only viable path to peace. Safadi reiterated that the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative offers the most comprehensive framework for lasting peace, in contrast with what he described as Israel's 'destructive policies' of war and settlement expansion. He urged the international community to choose between supporting the initiative, which secures peace and stability, or allowing Israel's policies to fuel further conflict and instability. 'The obvious choice, one that safeguards regional security and international peace, is to support the Arab Peace Initiative. It protects the rights of all parties, upholds international law, and lays the foundation for a secure and stable future,' Safadi said. He warned that Israel's rhetoric of a so-called 'greater Israel' only fuels hatred and will lead to greater destruction. 'This agenda deepens the crisis, violates international law, and infringes on state sovereignty. It remains a fantasy for extremists, as all countries in the region, including Jordan, will resist any attempt to impose further conflict or domination,' he added. Safadi condemned the humanitarian toll of the war. 'It is unacceptable for Palestinian children to starve or for mothers to be unable to feed their children. The world bears a moral, humanitarian, and legal responsibility to put an end to these massacres and this starvation,' he said. Responding to questions on Israel's threats to expand the war, Safadi said such policies are intended to prolong conflict and advance expansionist agendas in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Syria. He urged the international community to take a clear stance: 'Does it work towards security, peace and stability for all, or towards further conflict and destruction that threaten regional and global security?' Safadi cautioned against Israel's declared intention to impose full military control over Gaza, warning of catastrophic consequences. 'What Israel is talking about is the displacement of one million Palestinians from Gaza City to the south, where over a million already live in camps lacking the basics of life,' he said. He added that a ceasefire proposal currently on the table 'must be accepted,' urging international pressure to end the catastrophe, stop the killings, and guarantee the entry of food, water, and medicine, while creating the political space needed to advance lasting solutions. Safadi also stressed the importance of allowing journalists into Gaza to report on starvation, massacres, and human suffering. He drew attention to deteriorating conditions in the West Bank, where settlement expansion, land confiscation, and assaults on Islamic and Christian holy sites threaten the prospects for peace. He said Israel is also exerting pressure on the Orthodox Church in an attempt to seize its properties. Safadi also welcomed the growing recognition of the State of Palestine, calling it an essential step toward translating political support for the two-state solution into concrete action. He urged other countries to follow suit, arguing that recognition of Palestine is a necessary expression of international consensus. 'If the world agrees that the two-state solution is the only path to peace, then recognition of Palestine is the practical embodiment of that position,' he said. He highlighted the recent Saudi-French initiative at the UN, where 125 countries reaffirmed their support for the two-state solution. 'This would not only guarantee Palestinian statehood but also ensure Israel's security and open the door to normal relations in the region,' he said. He stressed that such international consensus must be translated into practical measures that prevent actions obstructing peace, particularly settlement expansion and land confiscation. 'If the world views settlement expansion as a violation of international law and an obstacle to peace, then there must be practical measures to stop it,' Safadi added. Turning to Syria, Safadi reiterated Jordan's support for efforts to restore the country's security, stability, sovereignty, and unity, and to safeguard the rights of its citizens. He underlined that Jordan stands fully with Syria in reconstruction efforts aimed at ensuring stability and the safety of its people. 'We once again caution against the consequences of Israeli aggression on Syrian soil, which push the country towards instability. Syria's success is the region's success, and its stability is the region's stability,' he said. Safadi emphasised that stability in southern Syria is vital to Jordan's own security, recalling that the Kingdom recently hosted several meetings to address the tragic events in Sweida. He noted that Jordan is working with the Syrian government and the US to reach a solution that preserves Syria's territorial unity and guarantees the rights of Sweida's residents as integral citizens. He pointed to practical steps outlined in the Amman Statement following the Jordanian-Syrian-US tripartite meeting, including Damascus' commitment to cooperate with UN bodies, hold perpetrators accountable, deliver aid, and reintegrate Sweida into the state. He announced that a tripartite committee will be established to maintain the ceasefire and move toward a lasting solution. Preserving Syria's unity, he stressed, is 'a red line.' Safadi also warned that Israeli interference has fueled crises in Syria, urging respect for its sovereignty and unity. He noted that Damascus has reaffirmed it poses no threat to any party, abides by the 1974 disengagement agreement, and is willing to address Israel's security concerns. 'But occupation and intervention are not security for Israel,' he said. 'They threaten Syria's stability and fuel chaos that we will all pay for.' Safadi reaffirmed Jordan's continued cooperation with Syria, the US, regional partners, and the international community to deliver aid and restore stability, stressing that the Amman meeting marked the beginning of a process to overcome the tragic events in Sweida and ensure that Syrians live as equal citizens, free from threats to their safety. Safadi welcomed the conference between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on Ukraine, underlining Jordan's support for a political solution that safeguards the rights of all parties and adheres to international law and legitimacy.
Jordan Times
9 hours ago
- Jordan Times
Israel approves plan to conquer Gaza City, calls up reservists
OCCUPIED JERUSALEM — Israel's defence minister approved a plan on Wednesday for the conquest of Gaza City and authorised the call-up of around 60,000 reservists, piling pressure on Hamas as mediators push for a ceasefire. Defence minister Israel Katz's move, confirmed to AFP by a spokesperson, came as mediators awaited an official Israeli response on their latest proposal in ceasefire talks. While mediator Qatar had expressed guarded optimism over the latest proposal, a senior Israeli official said the government stood firm on its call for the release of all hostages in any agreement. The framework that Hamas had approved proposes an initial 60-day truce, a staggered hostage release, the freeing of some Palestinian prisoners and provisions allowing for the entry of aid into Gaza. On the ground in Gaza City on Wednesday, Mustafa Qazzaat, head of the emergency committee in the Gaza municipality, described the situation as "catastrophic", with "large numbers" fleeing eastern neighbourhoods. One resident, Anis Daloul, 64, said the Israeli military had "destroyed most of the buildings in Zeitoun and displaced thousands of people". Israel's security cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved the plan to conquer Gaza City in early August, sparking fears it would worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. According to Israeli media reports, Netanyahu has not yet called a security cabinet meeting to discuss any response to the latest truce proposal. 'Permanent war' Netanyahu has come under growing pressure at home and abroad to end the war, with the German government saying on Wednesday that it "rejects the escalation" of Israel's campaign. French President Emmanuel Macron said the offensive "can only lead to a complete disaster for both peoples", warning it would "drag the region into a permanent war". Katz's approval of plans to conquer Gaza City came days after Hamas said it had accepted the latest proposal from mediators for a ceasefire to halt almost two years of devastating war. Sources from Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad told AFP on Wednesday that the proposal envisages the release of 10 hostages and 18 bodies from Gaza. The remaining captives would be released in a second exchange within the 60-day period, during which negotiations for a permanent ceasefire would take place, the sources said. Israel and Hamas have held on-off indirect negotiations throughout the war, resulting in two short truces during which Israeli hostages were released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Of the 251 hostages taken during Hamas's October 2023 attack that triggered the war, 49 are still in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead. Qatar, one of the mediators in the talks, said the latest proposal was "almost identical" to an earlier version agreed by Israel. Netanyahu has yet to publicly comment on the truce plan, but said last week that his country would accept "an agreement in which all the hostages are released at once and according to our conditions for ending the war". 'Gradual operation' An Israeli military official told journalists on Wednesday that the new phase of combat would involve "a gradual precise and targeted operation in and around Gaza City", including some areas where forces had not previously operated. Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli strikes and fire killed at least 25 people across the territory on Wednesday. When contacted by AFP, the Israeli military asked for coordinates and specific timeframes to comment on the reports, but said it would look into reports of eight people killed by Israeli fire near an aid site in the centre of Gaza. Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing swathes of the Palestinian territory mean AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defence agency or the Israeli military. The Israeli military said it killed 10 Hamas militants in southern Gaza on Wednesday while repelling an attack by the armed wing of the Islamist group, which claimed it killed several Israeli soldiers. Israel's offensive has killed at least 62,122 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to figures from the health ministry in Gaza, which the United Nations considers reliable.
