Synopsis:Gaza City occupation plan by Israel and the E1 settlement dispute are escalating the Israel-Palestine conflict, raising global concerns over humanitarian disaster, regional stability, and the collapse of peace efforts.
By Qalam Times News Network
New Delhi, August 22, 2025
Gaza City at the center of conflict
Gaza City has once again become the flashpoint of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that he will give final approval to the plan to occupy Gaza City. This development comes even as Qatar and other mediators are pushing for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, while the international community is voicing serious concern over Israel’s actions.
Netanyahu argues that defeating Hamas and ensuring Israeli security is impossible without taking control of Gaza City. But critics point out that this stance is not purely about security — it is tied to his declining popularity at home and the mounting pressure from opposition forces. For Netanyahu, a hardline approach may also be a political survival tactic.
Humanitarian crisis looming
Occupation of Gaza City would trigger large-scale civilian deaths and destruction. Already, more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed. Hospitals are collapsing, and children and women are dying of hunger and lack of medicine. The UN has warned that Gaza is on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe that could deepen if Israel proceeds with ground occupation.
Qatar’s mediation and global response
Qatar is actively mediating between Hamas and Israel over ceasefire and prisoner releases. But Israel’s intent to occupy Gaza City threatens to derail these talks. Egypt and Turkey have also warned that peace efforts could collapse. The European Union has criticized Israel’s “disproportionate use of force,” while the UN Secretary General has declared the occupation a violation of humanitarian law.
America’s double policy
The United States continues to supply military aid to Israel despite growing international criticism. Analysts argue that this support has emboldened Israel to pursue the Gaza City occupation plan while ignoring global opposition.
Growing global support for Palestine
The devastation in Gaza has fueled worldwide demonstrations. Countries such as Ireland, Spain, Norway, and Belgium are moving toward recognizing Palestine. Arab and Muslim-majority states have jointly condemned Israel’s actions.
E1 settlement dispute and global opposition
At the same time, Israel has advanced its settlement plan in the E1 region of the West Bank, which could divide Palestinian land and crush the possibility of an independent state. Twenty-one countries — including Britain, France, Germany, Japan, Brazil, Canada, and South Korea — have jointly opposed the E1 plan, calling it a direct blow to the two-state solution.
Wider impact: Conflict to intensify
Both the Gaza City occupation plan and the E1 settlement expansion will deepen the humanitarian disaster and push political solutions out of reach. The international community fears escalating violence and regional instability.
The Israel-Palestine conflict is not just about territory but also about human values, justice, and international law. Netanyahu may frame the Gaza City occupation as a security measure, but in reality, it risks destabilizing the entire region. What is urgently needed is concrete political and diplomatic action — not rhetoric — to secure justice and protection for the Palestinian people.
