Israel Considers Controversial Plan to Seal Off Northern Gaza, Raising Concerns of Starvation and Civilian Deaths

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly examining a plan to seal off humanitarian aid to northern Gaza, potentially trapping hundreds of thousands of Palestinians without food or water, The Associated Press reports.

The controversial proposal, dubbed the “Generals’ Plan”, calls for a week-long evacuation order for the northern third of the Gaza Strip, including Gaza City, before declaring it a closed military zone.

Those who remain would be deemed combatants, allowing Israeli forces to kill them and denying them access to essential supplies like food, water, medicine, and fuel. The plan aims to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages and potentially establish a new administration in the north, effectively splitting Gaza in two.

While the Israeli government has not officially confirmed the plan’s adoption, officials acknowledge that parts of it may already be implemented.

The “Generals’ Plan” has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups, who warn of potential civilian starvation and violations of international law. They argue that using food as a weapon is prohibited and that forced transfers are a grave breach of human rights. The plan also faces criticism from the US State Department, which opposes any plan that could lead to a direct Israeli occupation of Gaza.

The plan has sparked intense debate within Israel, with a coalition of Israeli NGOs calling for international intervention. Israeli media reports suggest that Netanyahu has presented the plan to a parliamentary defense committee, indicating its serious consideration.

The proposed action comes amidst a year-long conflict between Israel and Hamas, marked by escalating violence and numerous evacuation orders for civilians. The situation has further deteriorated in recent weeks, with a decline in humanitarian aid reaching the north.