Israel’s military assault in Gaza has shifted its goals, leaving the international community confused over what to expect next. The primary objective of squeezing Hamas into releasing dozens of hostages remains unchanged, but other objectives have emerged.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel has “moved up a gear” in Gaza, capturing more territory and hitting militants. Defense Minister Israel Katz said the military is seizing territory to protect its forces and border towns, suggesting a longer-term presence in the enclave.
Netanyahu also announced plans to enable the voluntary emigration of Gazans, without providing clarity on how this will happen or where they would go. The uncertainty may be the point, as Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said it would “preserve operational ambiguity and the element of surprise.”
The forces are gradually dissecting Gaza into separate districts to encircle and restrict Hamas fighters’ movement. However, questions remain about what the military can do this time that it couldn’t in 15 months of fighting.
Analysts say the government lacks a viable diplomatic framework to translate military achievements into war objectives over time and justify the costs paid for them. The campaign’s impact on hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack is also unclear, with the group insisting on negotiations as the only way to free them.
The renewed offensive has put the lives of remaining hostages at risk, according to a retired Israeli brigadier general. The temporary cease-fire collapsed in March when Israel launched a deadly air attack after talks stalled.
As the situation continues to unfold, over 140,000 people have been displaced, and more than 1,000 people have been killed since the cease-fire broke down. Gaza health officials report that over 50,000 people have been killed in the war.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/03/world/middleeast/israel-hamas-gaza-military-objectives.html