Israel and Gaza City

 Israel has announced that it intends to occupy Gaza City.

The city has largely been leveled by artillery and bombing making it a perfect defensive area. Hamas says moving into Gaza City will not be easy.

European allies, including Germany and Britain, have expressed concern over the move. Germany has halted military exports which could be used in the takeover.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee (dear lord, that is a phrase I never thought I would have to articulate) has expressed concern that countries appeared to be putting pressure on Israel rather than on the militant group Hamas, whose deadly attack on Israel in 2023 started the war.

The Israeli opposition party and families of the hostages criticized Netanyahu for a decision that they said would put hostages' lives at risk.

It's becoming clearer and clearer each day that Netanyahu is misusing this war for his own ends and possibly to avoid prosecution if he is voted out of office. Netanyahu's government unanimously voted Monday to fire Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who is currently prosecuting him for corruption. No wonder he and Trump are good buddies.

I think that negotiating a real ceasefire, including the return of any hostages still alive, would be the better way to go. Of course that's the rub. After almost two years, are any left alive?

I have staunchly supported Israel in this war. When a nation is attacked, then it has the right to respond to that attack and even demand an unconditional surrender from the attacking country.

But I'm beginning to wonder if the pursuit of this war has lost its focus. Perhaps it's time to consider putting an end to it and saving any remaining hostages. If none are left to save, then heaven help Gaza.