Israel Orders Civilians to Evacuate Parts of Khan Younis

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Facts

  • The Israeli military ordered Palestinians to evacuate areas east of Khan Younis late on Monday after about 20 rockets were fired toward Israel, reportedly by Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).1
  • According to Reuters, Israeli tanks began advancing into the area on Tuesday, even as officials at the European Gaza Hospital evacuated patients and families who had taken shelter in the facility.2
  • The Israeli military has said that it had 'no intention to evacuate the European Hospital.' This comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel was 'advancing toward the final stage of eliminating' Hamas.3
  • Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that Israel is preparing to test a governing model for post-war Gaza by creating a series of Hamas-free 'bubbles.' The plan posits that the Israeli military would funnel aid to vetted local Palestinians, who would disperse the assistance and gradually increase their responsibilities to assume responsibility for civilian governance.4
  • The plan — which reportedly would be tested in the northern Gaza neighborhoods of Atatra, Beit Hanoun, and Beit Lahia first — is also expected to see the Israeli military provide security, at least initially.4
  • According to Financial Times, Israel has 'already tried' a similar plan earlier in the year in parts of central and northern Gaza with local Palestinian clans, but couldn't verify whether it was successful or not.5

Sources: 1BBC News, 2Reuters, 3New York Times, 4Ft and 5Timesofisrael.

Narratives

  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by CNN. The US is committed to supporting Israel as it winds down its operations in Gaza and works toward creating a brighter future in the strip. Nonetheless, Israel must formalize a workable post-war plan in Gaza so that its gains in the war are not squandered, and the humanitarian situation is effectively addressed. Indeed, Netanyahu needs to stop playing politics and work with Israel's allies to find an effective post-war strategy.
  • Pro-Israel narrative, as provided by Tablet Magazine. Though the Biden administration has been working hard to pressure Israel and Netanyahu into allowing for a Palestinian terror state on its borders, this is simply not in the cards. Hamas can't be allowed to control Gaza, nor can the corrupt and terror-supporting Palestinian Authority take over. Indeed, the US keeps pushing for a big deal with Saudi Arabia while directly intervening in Israeli politics via Yair Lapid and Benny Gantz. None of these moves serves Israel's strategic interests.
  • Pro-Palestine narrative, as provided by The New Arab. These post-war plans are not feasible and are only meant to bide time as Netanyahu tries to maneuver. Netanyahu and other Israeli leaders have been quite clear that they have no desire to allow for a Palestinian state. Yet, the US would have one believe that it is Palestinians who are the primary obstacle to peace. Arab states have been clear about what it will take to make peace, yet Israel's intransigence continues to prevent any positive momentum. Israel must realize that the only way forward is to make peace and allow for the creation of a Palestinian state.

Predictions