An expert has raised concerns that Israel is shutting down the possibility of a two-state solution following the commencement of a new offensive in Gaza, despite disregarding pleas from global leaders.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the IDF to launch a ground operation targeting Gaza City, moving closer to the largest city in the Palestinian territory, which is already ravaged by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Reports from Gaza City residents on Tuesday morning described intense bombardments throughout the area. Those still in the city were instructed to evacuate southward.
This recent action marks a further escalation in a conflict that has plunged the Middle East into chaos, with hopes of a ceasefire dwindling despite extensive diplomatic endeavors.
Last week, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly voted in favor of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict and called on Israel to endorse a Palestinian state.
Countries such as France, the UK, Canada, Australia, and Malta have committed to formalizing their support for this resolution during the UN General Assembly meeting starting on September 23. Others, including New Zealand, Finland, and Portugal, are contemplating similar actions.
In a significant development, experts appointed by the United Nations’ Human Rights Council recently declared that Israel is engaged in “genocide” in Gaza.
Professor Natasha Lindstaedt from the University of Essex believes that Netanyahu is closing the door on a two-state solution with the expansion of military operations in Gaza City.
In an exclusive interview with The Mirror, Lindstaedt stated: “Benjamin Netanyahu has explicitly stated that there will be no independent Palestinian state. While previous Israeli leaders had at least verbally supported the idea of a two-state solution, Netanyahu’s administration is now rejecting this notion. The government has emphasized the need to eliminate Hamas and pursue a military resolution.”
Concerns have been raised that Israel might be embarking on a genocide or ethnic cleansing campaign, prompting Qatar and other Arab leaders to express shock over Israel’s attack on Hamas in Doha. These Arab leaders have jointly condemned the events in Gaza.
The conflict’s new phase suggests Israel’s intentions to assert dominance, with multiple IDF divisions and over 130,000 reservists involved in the invasion.
The IDF reported that approximately 500,000-600,000 out of one million Palestinian civilians have evacuated Gaza City, alleging that Hamas is obstructing further evacuations.
Differences have emerged between Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir on the invasion’s execution, with Zamir favoring a hostage deal without a full-scale invasion to minimize risks to 48 hostages.
The situation has left uncertainty regarding potential interventions by Doha or Washington to halt the conflict, as Hamas leaders were reportedly considering a proposal from the Trump administration in Doha when the attack occurred. Netanyahu appears confident in full support from Trump to escalate actions.