Israel defied mounting international pressure on Wednesday by approving thousands of new West Bank settlements and advancing a military operation on Gaza City. These actions cast significant doubt on the viability of a newly proposed ceasefire deal and the broader prospects for a two-state solution.
The dual announcements represent a hardening of Israel’s position amid ongoing war with Hamas. Experts suggest the moves are influenced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s need to placate far-right coalition partners, even at the risk of further international isolation.
West Bank Settlement Expansion Moves Forward
In a significant move, the Israeli government gave final approval to the “East One” (E1) settlement project. This plan, delayed for over two decades, will add 3,400 housing units in the heart of the occupied West Bank. Hard-line Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared the project a direct rejection of Palestinian statehood, stating each new unit was “another nail in the coffin of this dangerous idea.”
This approval is part of a larger push, with plans for over 20,000 housing units advanced as of late July—the highest number in years according to the Israeli watchdog Peace Now. [Internal link: israel-settlement-policy-analysis]
Military Advances on Gaza City Begin
Concurrently, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced troops had reached the outskirts of Gaza City and were initiating the “next phase of the war.” A military official, speaking anonymously, stated the goal is to prevent Hamas from regrouping by taking “operational control” over areas previously untouched by ground forces.
The operation, described as “gradual, precise and targeted,” will involve encircling the city and allowing civilians to evacuate south. The UN estimates Israel already controls 75-90% of the Gaza Strip. The military also called up 60,000 additional reservists for duty starting in September.
International Condemnation and Ceasefire Doubts
World leaders swiftly condemned the escalation. French President Emmanuel Macron warned the planned offensive “can only lead to disaster” and risked plunging the region into a “cycle of permanent war.” Jordan’s foreign minister accused Israel of “illegal measures” that kill all prospects for peace.
These developments raise critical questions about a new ceasefire proposal, which Hamas has accepted. Analysts like Michael Milshtein, a former Israeli intelligence officer, believe Netanyahu is prioritizing his political survival over international relations, calculating that American support will endure despite the backlash.
Humanitarian and Hostage Concerns Persist
The military asserts the new operation will include expanded humanitarian aid efforts in southern Gaza. However, with the area already overcrowded and on the brink of famine, residents like Ahmed Saleh in Gaza City expressed terror and refusal to move south, citing a lack of services and space.
The offensive also heightens fears for the safety of the remaining hostages held by Hamas. Israeli authorities believe as many as 20 are still alive, with the bodies of 30 others also in Gaza. Many fear a large-scale military incursion could jeopardize their lives.
The simultaneous actions in the West Bank and Gaza by Israel signal a firm rejection of the growing international consensus, including from key allies, supporting a pathway to Palestinian statehood and a durable end to the CONFLICT.
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