Skip to main content
The right to self-defence is not a one-way street
Israel says it must make sure ‘Gaza will never be a threat again’ — the only guarantee would be an end to war and occupation and justice for the Palestinian people, writes STEVE BISHOP
Palestinians wounded in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip are brought to the hospital in Deir al Balah on Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023.

THE advent of Israeli ground forces in southern Gaza marks a new escalation in the war on the Palestinian people declared by the IDF. While the stated war aims of the Israeli government are to destroy Hamas, the sheer scale of civilian casualties — now over 15,000 — along with the displacement of over 1.2 million people, means that this is effectively a war against the whole population in Gaza.

With even the US calling for a more restrained military campaign following the seven-day truce and release of hostages, it is clear that the religious fundamentalists in the Israeli government are off message with their US military paymasters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been categorical in what he sees as the mission of the IDF, stating: “We continue to fight with all our strength until we achieve all our goals; the return of all of our abductees, the elimination of Hamas and the promise that Gaza will never be a threat to Israel again.”

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
ISRAEL-MADE FAMINE: Starving Palestinians at a distribution center in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, May 27 2026
Features / 11 June 2026
11 June 2026

While international attention focuses on ceasefire frameworks, Israel is openly advancing plans for a permanent expansion of its control over Gaza, writes RAMZY BAROUD

NOT GIVING UP HOPE: MK Ofer Cassif at a protest in 2021. Pic: Shay Kendler/Creative Commons
Features / 7 October 2025
7 October 2025

ASSAF TALGAM talks to an Israeli Communist lawmaker about the need to use every tool of democratic and non-violent struggle; how Israeli society has changed since October 7 2023; and the persecution of the left in the parliamentary arena

Palestinians take cover during an Israeli strike on a building in Gaza City, September 7, 2025
TUC Congress 2025 / 9 September 2025
9 September 2025

The people of Palestine need our solidarity in actions not words – trade unionists must give them our full support in their darkest hour, writes DANIEL KEBEDE

RESISTANCE: Police officers disperse demonstrators blocking a road during a protest demanding the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas and calling for the Israeli government to reverse its decision to take over Gaza City and other areas in the Gaza Strip, in Jerusalem yesterday
Features / 18 August 2025
18 August 2025

AMNON BROWNFIELD STEIN reports on the Israeli national strike as thousands call for an end to the war