A video going viral on social media shows Israel Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers blowing up a building in Gaza as part of a so-called ‘gender reveal party’. After the explosion, blue smoke rises from the ruins while the soldiers shout, “It’s a boy!” and laugh.
The video has sparked anger online, especially as it comes during a period of intense violence and military escalation in Gaza.
On Monday, 5 May, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet approved a new military plan to take full control of the Gaza Strip. According to the Associated Press (AP), which spoke to two Israeli officials, the plan involves capturing all of Gaza and holding onto it for an indefinite period.
This move could lead to global criticism, as it reportedly includes calling up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers. Israel says the plan is necessary to defeat Hamas and rescue hostages believed to be held inside Gaza.
However, the plan also suggests relocating hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to southern Gaza, raising serious concerns about forced displacement and worsening the already severe humanitarian crisis.
One defence source told AP that the plan may not be carried out immediately, possibly being delayed until after US President Donald Trump’s expected visit to the Middle East later this month. This could mean a temporary halt in fighting.
Since a truce with Hamas broke down in mid-March, Israel has stepped up its military attacks, with airstrikes across Gaza causing hundreds of deaths. Israeli troops now reportedly control about 50% of the territory.
Even before fighting resumed, Israel had already cut off key humanitarian aid like food, fuel, and clean water. Observers say this has turned the conflict into one of the worst humanitarian crises in the region’s recent history.
Inputs from TOI
The video has sparked anger online, especially as it comes during a period of intense violence and military escalation in Gaza.
On Monday, 5 May, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet approved a new military plan to take full control of the Gaza Strip. According to the Associated Press (AP), which spoke to two Israeli officials, the plan involves capturing all of Gaza and holding onto it for an indefinite period.
This move could lead to global criticism, as it reportedly includes calling up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers. Israel says the plan is necessary to defeat Hamas and rescue hostages believed to be held inside Gaza.
However, the plan also suggests relocating hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to southern Gaza, raising serious concerns about forced displacement and worsening the already severe humanitarian crisis.
One defence source told AP that the plan may not be carried out immediately, possibly being delayed until after US President Donald Trump’s expected visit to the Middle East later this month. This could mean a temporary halt in fighting.
Since a truce with Hamas broke down in mid-March, Israel has stepped up its military attacks, with airstrikes across Gaza causing hundreds of deaths. Israeli troops now reportedly control about 50% of the territory.
Even before fighting resumed, Israel had already cut off key humanitarian aid like food, fuel, and clean water. Observers say this has turned the conflict into one of the worst humanitarian crises in the region’s recent history.
Inputs from TOI
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