President Joe Biden emphatically conveyed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the occupation of Gaza would constitute a significant misstep. Emphasizing his commitment to a two-state solution, Biden underscored its pivotal role in resolving the longstanding Israel-Palestinian conflict.
“I made it clear to the Israelis I think it’s a big mistake for them to think they’re going to occupy Gaza and maintain Gaza,” Biden told a news conference in San Francisco. “I don’t think that works.”
Gaza History
Gaza has a complex historical trajectory marked by political shifts and conflicts. Following Egyptian rule, Gaza came under Israeli occupation during the 1967 Six-Day War. Subsequently, it became a focal point of political activism during the First Intifada.
Under the Oslo Accords of 1993, Gaza was designated to be under the direct control of the newly established Palestinian Authority. In a significant development, Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005, leading to a transformative period in the region.
However, by 2007, internal tensions escalated, resulting in factional fighting between Hamas and rival Fatah. In the aftermath, Hamas emerged as the victor in Palestinian elections and solidified its authority not only in the city but also across the wider Gaza Strip. Since then, Hamas has been the sole governing authority in Gaza.
This intricate historical narrative reflects the dynamic geopolitical landscape and the ongoing complexities within the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel response
The Israeli leader asserted that there was no intention to "occupy" Gaza, a statement that warrants scrutiny given the nuanced dynamics of the region. While Israel officially withdrew its forces and settlers from Gaza in 2005, the characterization of Gaza as an occupied territory persists due to Israel's substantial control over its borders, airspace, and territorial waters.
The intricate nature of this control, despite the absence of a formal military presence, raises questions about the de facto sovereignty of Gaza. The comprehensive authority exercised by Israel in these domains contributes to the perception that, in practice, Gaza's autonomy is constrained, fueling ongoing debates over the nature of its status within the broader context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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