An expert has raised concerns that Israel is moving away from the possibility of a two-state solution following the initiation of a fresh offensive in Gaza, despite disregarding appeals from global leaders.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave orders for the IDF to commence a ground assault on Gaza City, gradually encroaching on the largest city in the Palestinian territory, which has already suffered significant damage due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Reports from residents of Gaza City on Tuesday morning indicated intense bombardments throughout the area, with those remaining in the city being strongly advised to evacuate southward.
This recent action marks a further escalation in a conflict that has plunged the Middle East into chaos, with hopes of a ceasefire diminishing despite extensive diplomatic endeavors over several months.
The UN General Assembly recently passed a resolution with overwhelming support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict, urging Israel to commit to a Palestinian state.
Countries such as France, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Malta have pledged to formalize their support for the resolution during the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting starting on September 23. Other nations, including New Zealand, Finland, and Portugal, are contemplating similar actions.
Shortly after independent experts appointed by the United Nations’ Human Rights Council accused Israel of “committing genocide” in Gaza, Professor Natasha Lindstaedt from the University of Essex stated in an exclusive interview with The Mirror that Netanyahu’s government is closing the door on a two-state solution with the recent military operations in Gaza City.
Lindstaedt expressed concerns that Israel might resort to genocide or ethnic cleansing in its efforts to eliminate Hamas, leading to Arab leaders, including those from Qatar, condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has traveled to Qatar to mediate the situation, emphasizing the need for prompt action. There are fears that Israel may target Hamas’s political leadership in Doha, prompting a united response from Arab leaders.
The ongoing conflict signals Israel’s intent to assert control, involving multiple IDF divisions and over 130,000 reservists. The IDF claimed that a significant number of Palestinian civilians have evacuated Gaza City, but Hamas is allegedly impeding further evacuations.
Divergence between Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir on the invasion strategy has complicated the situation, with uncertainties surrounding the potential intervention from Doha or Washington to halt the conflict escalation.
Netanyahu appears emboldened by what he perceives as full support from the Trump administration to escalate the military operation despite associated risks.
