Hostilities Intensify as Netanyahu Prepares Offensive Against Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has labeled Gaza City as the “last bastion” of Hamas, as his cabinet prepares to discuss the next phase of military operations during a meeting on Sunday. A significant escalation of military action, however, will not occur for several weeks, as Israel emphasizes its commitment to evacuate civilians prior to deploying additional ground troops, reports 24brussels.
In parallel, a pro-Palestinian flotilla has departed from Barcelona, aiming to challenge what organizers claim is Israel’s “illegal siege” on Gaza. The Global Sumud Flotilla set sail at approximately 3:30 p.m. with a group of activists and supporters, including renowned Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg.
Thunberg condemned Israel’s actions, stating, “Israel [is] very clear about their genocidal intent. They want to erase the Palestinian nation. They want to take over the Gaza Strip.” The activist criticized global political leaders for their failure to enforce international law.
Reflecting on the role of governments, she added, “They are failing to do their most basic, legal duties to act, to prevent a genocide, to stop their complicity and support for … the occupation and the genocide of Palestinians.”
