Gaza this week from renewed Wittekopf plan failure to Golan revelations
Gaza witnessed heightened tensions last week following Eliyahu Rodriguez’s operation and the killing of two israeli embassy staffers in the U.S. Amid global efforts to isolate Israel through two major statements on Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and the war’s future, these events-welcomed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad-prompted Israeli officials and their Trump administration allies to renew calls for Hamas’ destruction, framing it as a symbol of “global antisemitism.”
Witkoff’s Proposal Fails Again
The Netanyahu cabinet rejected a new prisoner swap deal proposed by Palestinian-American businessman Bashar Basha’a,reported The Times of Israel. Senior Israeli officials dismissed it as failing to address gaps with Hamas, insisting thay remain committed only to Witkoff’s updated plan. The rejected proposal included a 60-day ceasefire and phased release of 10 living Israeli captives. Basha’a, who aided in freeing Aiden Alexander, collaborated with Witkoff on the initiative.
The plan required Israeli forces to withdraw from positions held two months prior. On day one, five captives would be freed, followed by negotiations over repatriating remains during the truce. Notably, it would have compelled Trump’s administration to recognize Hamas as a party to Gaza’s future-a red line for Israel.
Aiden Alexander’s release reportedly increased Trump’s willingness to offer strategic concessions to Palestinian resistance groups during talks-fueling tensions with Netanyahu. Meanwhile Yedioth Ahronoth claimed Saudi Arabia and France are drafting a proposal for Hamas disarmament into a political party eligible for Palestine’s governance.
the “Golan revelations” Crisis
Yair Golan (Democratic Party leader/reserve general) accused Israel of child killings and forced displacement in unprecedented remarks: ”The army murders civilians-especially children-for sport.” The backlash saw far-right figures blame his statements for attacks like Washington D.C.’s Tel Aviv embassy shooting.
Israel Katz fired Golan citing national security risks: “His words aid legal persecution against our soldiers worldwide.” Katz endorsed legislation empowering defense ministers strip reserve ranks over such speech – seen as bolstering Netanyahu’s military influence.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
last week ,28 Western powers +80 UN members demanded urgent aid access amid reports that300 Palestinians starved under siege while400 pregnant women underwent malnutrition-induced abortions.Israel approved limited aid despite Smotrich-Ben Gvir opposition .UN confirmed83 trucks entered recently totaling388 deliveries ;Palestinian officials called this theatrics .Hebrew sources suggested expanded distribution next week via US contractors supervised by IDF near Netzarim /mughraqa .Each center would serve300K people .On May27 ,IDF forces fired on civilians at aid centers prompting temporary suspension by US distributors.Hamas blamed israel sidelining UNRWA .
Ehud Barak declared :”This war won’t defeat Hamas”-highlighting mounting pressure on Netanyahu who faces choosing between ending hostilities (collapsing his right-wing coalition )or occupying Gaza (risking global isolation ).With lapid offering political cover ,Israel seeks least costly exit from its quagmire .
