Israeli attack on northern Gaza hints at retired general's "surrender or starve" plan for war

In northern Gaza, a troubling situation is unfolding as the Israeli military appears to be implementing a new strategy. Recently, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued a warning to residents in a designated area known as D5, urging them to evacuate southward. This area is part of a grid system used by the IDF to identify specific locations within Gaza. The military's message emphasized that the D5 area is a combat zone and that civilians must leave immediately via Salah al-Din Road, which is the main route leading south. The IDF has stated that they will continue to use significant military force against what they refer to as terrorist organizations, indicating that the conflict is far from over. The message conveyed to the residents is clear: they should not expect to return to their homes anytime soon. The area designated for evacuation, al-Mawasi, was once an agricultural region but is now overcrowded and poses its own dangers. Reports indicate that there have been at least 18 airstrikes in this area, further complicating the situation for those who remain. In contrast, Hamas, the governing body in Gaza, has been sending messages to the remaining population, advising them not to leave. They claim that the southern regions are equally perilous and warn that those who evacuate may not be allowed to return. Despite the ongoing airstrikes and artillery bombardments, many families have chosen to stay in northern Gaza. Some individuals are remaining to care for vulnerable relatives, while others have ties to Hamas. Under international law, being connected to Hamas does not automatically classify them as combatants. Many civilians have been attempting to avoid IDF operations by relocating within northern Gaza, moving from places like Beit Hanoun to Gaza City when military activity intensifies near their homes. However, the IDF is actively working to prevent this by directing families to move only southward along Salah al-Din Road. Journalists face significant challenges in reporting from Gaza, as the IDF restricts access to the area. Nevertheless, some Palestinian journalists continue to document the experiences of families fleeing the violence. The Committee to Protect Journalists has reported that at least 128 Palestinian media workers have lost their lives since the conflict began. As families attempt to escape the violence, they face numerous obstacles. One woman, Manar al-Bayar, was seen rushing down the street with her child, expressing her despair: 'They told us we had five minutes to leave. Where do we go? ' The journey to safety is fraught with danger, and there are accounts of individuals being fired upon by IDF forces. While the IDF asserts that its soldiers adhere to strict rules of engagement, evidence from medical professionals suggests that civilians, including women and children, have been targeted. Medical Aid for Palestinians has reported that many injured civilians are arriving at hospitals with severe wounds, indicating that they may have been deliberately attacked. The humanitarian crisis in northern Gaza is deepening, with hospitals running low on fuel and supplies necessary to care for patients. Some hospitals have even reported being attacked by Israeli forces. The United Nations and various aid organizations are sounding the alarm about the dire situation, stating that the military pressure is exacerbating an already critical humanitarian catastrophe. The IDF's actions have led to suspicions among Palestinians and aid agencies that a new tactic, referred to as the 'Generals’ Plan,' is being adopted to clear northern Gaza. This plan, proposed by a group of retired military leaders, aims to increase pressure on the civilian population to force Hamas to surrender. The plan suggests that civilians should be given a limited time to evacuate through designated corridors, after which the area would be declared a military zone. Those who remain would be treated as enemy combatants, and the area would be under siege, cutting off essential supplies. The proponents of this plan believe that such pressure would lead to the collapse of Hamas and the release of hostages. The United Nations World Food Programme has warned that the ongoing military actions are having a devastating impact on food security for thousands of families in Gaza. The main crossings into northern Gaza have been closed, and no food aid has entered the region since early October. The situation is dire, with mobile kitchens and bakeries forced to cease operations due to airstrikes. The only functioning bakery in the north was damaged in an explosion, further worsening the food crisis. While it remains unclear whether the IDF has fully adopted the Generals' Plan, the evidence suggests that it is influencing their tactics. The Israeli government includes ultra-nationalist leaders who advocate for replacing the Palestinian population in northern Gaza with Jewish settlers. These leaders believe that such actions will enhance security in the region. The situation in Gaza is complex, and the ongoing conflict continues to have devastating effects on the lives of countless individuals.