In a security cabinet meeting on Sunday night, Israeli officials agreed on a plan to invade Gaza and establish a “sustained presence” there. The plan was reportedly unanimously approved in the meeting and would represent an even more dramatic escalation of Israeli international humanitarian law violations.
Reports indicate that Israeli authorities have called up reserve soldiers to expand operations in Gaza. It is important to note that Israeli forces already occupy a substantial part of Gaza, amounting to almost one third, while recurrent bombing and forced displacement orders continue to kill, injure and displace the Palestinian population.
It has now also been over two months that Israel has blocked humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza, with recurrent cases of famine and continually deteriorating conditions.
Israeli officials such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have said out loud what has long been known during Israel’s genocide campaign in Gaza, that Israeli operations are not intended for the rescue of hostages taken by Hamas.
Israeli Attacks Continue
Since dawn today alone, Israeli attacks have killed at least 51 individuals, according to Al Jazeera. At least eight individuals were killed in an attack on a vehicle in central Gaza, where many others were also injured.
International actors have already begun condemning the continued Israeli campaigns on Gaza. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen expressed concerns over Israel’s intentions to expand operations and called on all parties to return to the ceasefire.
Southern Lebanon
In Lebanon, Israeli forces continue to occupy several regions in the South, in violation of the conditional ceasefire agreement reached in November of last year.
Today, Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi met with UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert. Hennis-Plasschaert briefed Raggi on the outcome of her recent trip to Israel, and the meeting focused on ongoing efforts to push Israel to respect its commitments to the ceasefire agreement.
The meeting also focused on the cooperation between Lebanon and United Nations peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL). UNIFIL’s mandate is expected to be renewed in August of this year.
