22.08.2025 19:32
As the Israeli army takes the first steps in its operation to seize control of the city of Gaza, cracks and reluctance within the military are becoming apparent. An attack on a military outpost carried out through a tunnel has heightened security concerns, and according to surveys, about 40% of soldiers report a decrease in motivation.
The Israeli army has accelerated its operational preparations to gain control of the city of Gaza despite international reactions. Army spokesman Effie Defrin announced that bases have been established in the areas surrounding the city of Gaza following clashes with Hamas members south of Khan Younis. Defrin stated, "The Israeli army is currently maintaining control over the surroundings of the city of Gaza. They will deepen the damage they inflict on Hamas."
THERE IS A SERIOUS CRISIS WITHIN THE ARMY
However, unrest within the army is drawing attention before the operation begins. The injury of soldiers from the Kfir Brigade in an attack carried out through a tunnel in an area where Hamas is claimed to have been neutralized has raised questions about security plans. An investigation has been launched following the attack, which left one soldier seriously injured and two others lightly injured. Experts indicate that similar threats may persist throughout the operation.
UNCERTAINTY REGARDING PARTICIPATION PREVAILS
According to a survey conducted by the Agam Laboratories of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, reported by CNN International, approximately 40% of soldiers have experienced a decline in motivation to serve, while only 13% have seen an increase in motivation. This situation creates uncertainty regarding participation, despite the call-up of tens of thousands of reserve soldiers.
COMPULSORY MILITARY SERVICE FOR ORTHODOX JEWS ON THE AGENDA
To address the shortage of soldiers, the inclusion of ultra-Orthodox men in compulsory military service is on the agenda. However, this initiative has led to protests from the groups in question, further fueling anger among serving soldiers. On the other hand, the reluctance to recall soldiers whose service periods have expired raises concerns about psychological issues within the army, as well as reports of suicide cases.
PRESSURE FROM THE USA ON EUROPE
The developments are not limited to the military dimension. The U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, stated that the Washington administration is pressuring European countries not to recognize the Palestinian state. Huckabee expressed that "if Palestine is recognized, Israel will declare sovereignty in the West Bank," stating that this would be contrary to the Oslo Accords.
A FIRST IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Meanwhile, the United Nations (UN) has declared a famine in Gaza, where 197 people, including 96 children, have died from starvation. The UN has officially declared famine only four times since its establishment. This famine decision is the first of its kind for a country in the Middle East.
ISRAEL'S WEAPON: HUNGER AND THIRST
Israel is using "hunger and thirst as weapons" in the region. The Israeli army, which has destroyed 88% of Gaza by also targeting civilian infrastructure, frequently targets Palestinians who have been displaced by expulsion orders in the areas where they seek refuge. It is reported that the number of displaced persons in Gaza, which has a population of approximately 2.3 million, has reached 2 million, with many individuals being displaced multiple times. Displaced Palestinians, lacking basic supplies, are trying to survive in makeshift tents or in overcrowded schools where hygiene supplies are insufficient, and infectious diseases are spreading. The Israeli army continues to bomb the tents of the displaced and the civilian locations where they are sheltering with daily attacks.