The Likud Party, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is actively promoting the settlement of northern Gaza, as reported by Haaretz. This initiative includes a conference planned for next week near the Gaza Strip border, aimed at encouraging settlement expansion. The event will feature various ministers and members of the Knesset, alongside senior activists from the ruling coalition, focusing on the establishment of a settlement outpost as part of the Nahala movement's initiative, known for its controversial settlements in the West Bank.
Despite Netanyahu's previous assurances to the US Congress that Israel would not establish settlements in Gaza, the current political climate suggests a shift towards facilitating such developments. Notably, extremist ministers such as Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich are expected to participate, indicating strong governmental support for the settler movement's ambitions.
Local opposition to the conference is apparent, with the administration of the Nirim settlement refusing to endorse the planned visit. They emphasized the need for government accountability regarding the failures of the October 7 events and called for prioritizing the return of hostages and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, rather than focusing on settlement activities.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire, exacerbated by ongoing Israeli military actions that have led to significant loss of life and suffering among the Palestinian population. Reports indicate that over 141,000 Palestinians have been killed or wounded amid severe restrictions on essential supplies and humanitarian aid, prompting calls for international intervention to address the situation.
