Israeli Media: Netanyahu is Considering a Plan to Blockade Hamas in Northern Gaza Strip

Israeli media reported on Sunday, October 1, citing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, that he is examining a plan to blockade Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip. According to reports, under the plan being considered, Palestinian civilians residing in northern Gaza would be ordered to leave the area, and the entire northern Gaza would be declared a prohibited war zone. Estimates suggest that nearly five thousand Hamas militants are present in northern Gaza. Israel's army radio reported that Netanyahu told the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee of the parliament that the plan to blockade Hamas is under consideration. The Israeli media outlet 'Kan' quoted Netanyahu as saying that this plan is 'logical' and that 'it is one of the plans under review, but there are other plans as well.' Israel has faced severe criticism from the international community due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in this densely populated strip during nearly a year of its assault on Gaza. The majority of Gaza's population has been displaced from their homes. According to statistics provided by the United Nations, one million Gazans are currently in designated humanitarian areas in the strip, which constitutes only 15 percent of its land. Estimates suggest that between 300,000 to 500,000 people are in northern Gaza, and delivering humanitarian aid to them is extremely difficult. During the terrorist attack by Hamas on October 15, 1,200 citizens of Israel, including women, children, and the elderly, were massacred, and over 250 others were taken hostage. Hamas claims that 41,000 Palestinians have lost their lives during the Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip, without mentioning the number of its own members killed. The Persian section of Voice of America does not have the ability to verify and confirm the statistics provided by Hamas. Additionally, 346 Israeli soldiers have been killed during the assault on Gaza aimed at destroying Hamas and recovering the kidnapped hostages. Hamas is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Israel, Canada, Japan, and several other countries. The White House: Sinwar does not negotiate in good faith. Netanyahu: We have struck Hezbollah with blows they did not expect. Germany has called for immediate actions to reduce tensions in the Middle East. Continued Israeli attacks in central and southern Gaza; dozens of Hamas members have been killed.