Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak has raised concerns about the upcoming ground operation in the Gaza Strip, citing four key difficulties. In an interview with Newsweek, Barak first highlighted the issue of hostages, emphasizing the complexity of the situation due to the large number of individuals held captive. He noted that over a quarter of these hostages possess not only Israeli passports but also foreign passports, including those from the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, and even countries like Thailand and Nepal.
Barak also pointed out the significant support and sympathy for Palestine in the Arab and Muslim world, which poses a risk of escalating the conflict, particularly with Hezbollah in the north. Additionally, he raised the question of power transition in the Gaza Strip, expressing uncertainty about who would assume control if the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) successfully dismantle Hamas.
Furthermore, Barak stressed Israel’s obligation to abide by international law, highlighting the potential consequences of mass bombings on Gaza and other cities. He warned that such actions, resulting in the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians, could jeopardize international support for Israel.
In response to these concerns, the IDF has called for global solidarity in support of Israel’s efforts to eradicate Hamas. However, Israel’s ultra-right Minister of National Security, Ben-Gvir, has taken a more aggressive stance, advocating for the use of explosives until the release of civilian hostages, while rejecting any provision of humanitarian aid.
As tensions continue to rise, the challenges outlined by Barak shed light on the complexities and potential ramifications of a ground operation in the Gaza Strip. The international community closely watches these developments, as the situation remains a focal point of global attention.
