What lies behind Israel's latest ground offensive in Deir al-Balah? | DW News

Gaza Conflict: Escalation, Humanitarian Crisis, and International Response

Key Concepts:

• Israeli offensive in Deir al-Balah
• Hamas hostage situation
• Humanitarian crisis in Gaza (food scarcity, malnutrition)
• International condemnation of Israel's actions
• US leverage and potential role
• Unfettered humanitarian access

1. Escalation of Conflict in Deir al-Balah

• The Israeli military has initiated a new offensive in Deir al-Balah, a central city in Gaza.
• Israeli tanks have entered the city, and soldiers are conducting ground operations.
• This is the first major operation in Deir al-Balah in 21 months since the war began.
• It is believed that Hamas may be holding some of the remaining hostages in this area.
• Deir al-Balah had been a refuge for thousands of Palestinians fleeing fighting in other parts of Gaza.
• Prior to the offensive, the area was the only remaining area of Gaza that had not suffered widespread destruction.
• Tens of thousands of people from the rest of Gaza sought refuge here until the Israeli army issued evacuation orders on Sunday.

2. Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

• The near-daily Israeli bombardment of Gaza continues, resulting in civilian casualties.
• A Palestinian woman recounts losing her son in a strike that hit the tent where he was sleeping.
• The UN reports that over 800 people have been killed while queuing for aid in Gaza since May.
• Alexandra S. from Save the Children International describes a dire situation:
  • Severe food scarcity and malnutrition are widespread.
  • People are collapsing in the streets due to lack of food.
  • Children express a desire to die because they believe there is food in heaven.
  • Aid workers themselves are suffering from malnutrition.
• Save the Children has not been able to get any supplies into Gaza since February.
• The constant Israeli bombardment and the siege are hindering aid efforts.
• The organization is calling for the siege to be lifted, the resumption of the UN-led response, and unfettered humanitarian access.

3. International Response and Criticism

• Many of Israel's allies have issued a joint statement condemning the killing of aid seekers in Gaza and calling for an immediate end to the war.
• The statement criticizes Israel's aid delivery model as dangerous and dehumanizing.
• It condemns the "drip-feeding of aid" and the killing of civilians seeking basic necessities.
• Israel has rejected the statement, calling it "disconnected from reality."
• 25 Western nations published a statement asking for an end to the war, for an immediate ceasefire.

4. Perspectives on Ending the Conflict

• Aaron David Miller (Carnegie Endowment for International Peace) argues that ending the war is primarily in the hands of the Israeli government and Hamas leadership.
• He notes that their objectives are "mutually incompatible," making progress difficult.
• Miller suggests that an interim deal is the most realistic near-term goal, potentially buying two months of relative peace and allowing for humanitarian aid delivery and hostage release.
• He believes the Israelis have accomplished most of their military objectives and that this is now a political war designed to press Hamas.

5. US Leverage and Potential Role

• Miller acknowledges that the US has leverage over Israel, but notes that no president since Eisenhower has seriously threatened Israel with sanctions.
• He argues that the US administration is unlikely to use leverage against Israel to produce a better deal for Hamas, given Hamas's designation as a foreign terrorist organization.
• Miller suggests that Donald Trump might be more likely to pressure Israel, based on his past actions.
• Joe Biden fundamentally had a emotional stake, political one as well in the idea, the very idea of Israel, uh the security of Israel, the people of Israel.

6. Save the Children's Perspective

• Alexandra S. emphasizes the urgent need for action beyond statements.
• She highlights the unacceptable reality of children being killed daily.
• Save the Children calls for a ceasefire, the lifting of the siege, and unfettered humanitarian access.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The situation in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating, marked by an escalation of conflict in Deir al-Balah and a severe humanitarian crisis. International condemnation of Israel's actions is growing, but concrete action is needed to alleviate the suffering of civilians. While an immediate end to the war seems unlikely, an interim deal could provide temporary relief. The US has the potential to exert influence, but its willingness to do so remains uncertain. The immediate priorities are securing a ceasefire, lifting the siege, and ensuring unfettered humanitarian access to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of the Gazan population.