Geopolitical Briefing: Palestine
19 May 2025
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu declares intent to fully occupy Gaza, initiating a major offensive in Khan Younis.
- The United Nations and aid organizations reject a U.S.-backed Israeli plan for Gaza aid delivery, citing violations of humanitarian principles.
- Yemen’s Houthi rebels launch missiles targeting Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, causing temporary disruptions.
- The UK, France, and Saudi Arabia are in discussions to recognize a Palestinian state, with a formal initiative expected at a June conference.
- Israel designates approximately 70% of Gaza as military “red zones,” leading to significant displacement and humanitarian concerns.
- Israel announces resumption of limited humanitarian aid to Gaza after nearly three months of blockade. (newsandsentinel.com/)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans for Israel to take full control of the Gaza Strip, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The Israeli military has launched a major offensive in Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest city, ordering evacuations and deploying additional infantry and armor divisions. This move follows the collapse of ceasefire talks and aims to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, attack. The operation has led to increased displacement and a worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The United Nations and several humanitarian organizations have rejected a proposed Israeli-U.S. plan for aid delivery in Gaza, citing concerns over its effectiveness and adherence to humanitarian principles. The plan, intended to circumvent Hamas’s control over aid distribution, has been criticized for potentially failing to ensure aid reaches the most vulnerable populations. The UN emphasized that no meaningful humanitarian solution can be imposed unilaterally by the occupying power.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have launched missiles targeting Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport, causing temporary disruptions in flights and commuter traffic. The attacks highlight the regional dimensions of the conflict and the involvement of external actors. The Israeli military reported intercepting some of the missiles, but the incidents have raised concerns about the broader implications of the conflict.
The United Kingdom, France, and Saudi Arabia are in discussions to recognize a Palestinian state, with a formal initiative expected at a United Nations conference in June. This move signifies a shift in international diplomatic efforts and may influence future negotiations and alignments in the region. The discussions reflect growing international concern over the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. (The Guardian)
Israel has designated approximately 70% of the Gaza Strip as military “red zones,” leading to significant displacement and humanitarian concerns. The expansion of security buffer zones has isolated many Palestinians from essential resources, including water wells and medical facilities, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that these measures have forced large-scale evacuations and restricted access to vital services.
After nearly three months of a complete blockade, Israel has announced the resumption of limited humanitarian aid to Gaza. The decision, made under significant international pressure, allows for a “basic amount” of food to enter the territory to prevent a hunger crisis. Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the move aims to ensure that the humanitarian situation does not undermine military operations. The aid will be distributed through existing channels, including the UN World Food Programme, and is intended as a temporary measure until new distribution mechanisms are established. (newsandsentinel.com/, Reuters, AP News, Axios)
