Israel Authorizes the Seizure of Gaza, Summons 60,000 Reservists

Israel has taken a significant step towards escalating its presence in the Gaza Strip, with Defense Minister Israel Katz approving the mobilization of an additional 60,000 reservists for the occupation of the city. This decision, however, has drawn criticism from international quarters, with Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stating that such projects would be contrary to international law and would make a two-state solution impossible.

The Israeli military is already present in suburbs of the city of Gaza, including the neighborhoods of Al-Saitun and Djabalija. The goal of the operation is to destroy Hamas's underground tunnel system, a move that comes in response to a major attack on an Israeli military post in the Gaza Strip, which resulted in the death of 10 attackers and injury of 3 soldiers. Hamas, known for its operational capabilities and ability to conduct guerrilla warfare, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the civilian population, estimated at around one million people, is to move to tent quarters further south in the coastal strip. This decision has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with fears of a potential humanitarian crisis looming large.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Islamic Hamas in the Gaza Strip both reject a two-state solution, a proposal that refers to an independent Palestinian state coexisting peacefully with Israel. This rejection has complicated efforts to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

In a bid to de-escalate the situation, Hamas has presented a "positive response" to a new ceasefire proposal, but Israel has not yet responded officially. The latest ceasefire proposal is an updated version of a previously negotiated proposal by US special envoy Steve Witkoff, which provides for a 60-day ceasefire during which ten living hostages are to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The escalation of the war has also seen the construction of around 3,400 housing units approved, which, if implemented, would effectively divide the West Bank into a northern and a southern part. This decision has sparked concerns about the future of the two-state solution and the prospects of a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.

As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, several countries, including France, Canada, and Australia, plan to recognize a Palestinian state next month. This recognition, however, may not bring an immediate end to the conflict, with both sides entrenched in their positions and the prospect of a peaceful resolution seeming increasingly distant.

With up to 130,000 reservists potentially being deployed in the Gaza Strip after the new mobilizations, the situation remains volatile and uncertain. The international community continues to urge both sides to engage in dialogue and find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict, with the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the prospects of a two-state solution hanging in the balance.