Israel's Admission on Gaza: Arming Clans Against Hamas
The use of armed gangs in Gaza has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that it endangers Israeli security and may help Hamas. The situation in Gaza is becoming increasingly dire, with the UN warning of a potential famine due to a lack of aid. The international community is calling for a ceasefire and an end to the blockade, but a resolution to the conflict remains elusive.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly acknowledged the government's use of armed gangs in Gaza to fight Hamas, sparking criticism from within Israel and internationally. The gangs, led by powerful local clans, have been accused of carrying out criminal attacks and stealing aid from trucks, with some having ties to the Islamic State group.
The admission comes as Israel continues to carry out military strikes in Gaza, which has been under a crippling blockade for years, leading to widespread poverty and starvation. The strikes have killed at least 52 Palestinians, including four journalists, and injured many more. Hamas has offered a truce proposal, but Israel has rejected it, and the situation remains volatile. The use of armed gangs in Gaza is seen as a means to protect Israeli soldiers, but critics argue it endangers Israeli security and may help Hamas.
The clans, led by Yasser Abu Shabab, have been accused of looting aid trucks and have ties to the Islamic State group. Netanyahu's office claims the initiative is part of a broader strategy to defeat Hamas, but opponents argue it creates a new threat in Gaza. The UN has warned of a potential famine in Gaza due to a lack of aid, and the situation is becoming increasingly dire.
Former defense minister Avigdor Liberman accused Netanyahu of giving weapons to a group of criminals and felons, identified with Islamic State, and claimed that the decision did not go through cabinet approval. Netanyahu later confirmed the report, saying the move helped save Israeli soldiers' lives. The move has been criticized by opposition politicians, with some accusing Netanyahu of selling Israel's security for another day in office.
The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with the use of armed gangs and ongoing military strikes exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The international community is calling for a ceasefire and an end to the blockade, but a resolution to the conflict remains elusive. As the situation continues to unfold, the people of Gaza remain caught in the middle, facing poverty, starvation, and violence.