Gaza on the Brink: Israel’s Annexation Plans as Ceasefire Talks Collapse – What It Means for Exams

Israel-Gaza Conflict Unpacked
The Trigger
Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has since killed over 60,000 Gazans (per Palestinian sources), displaced 2 million, and triggered famine warnings.


Current Escalation
With Qatar-mediated talks failing, PM Netanyahu’s security cabinet now debates two paths:
Full Occupation: Reversing Israel’s 2005 Gaza withdrawal to dismantle Hamas militarily.
Annexation Push: Far-right coalition partners demand permanent annexation of Gaza/West Bank, urging Palestinian emigration.


Key Controversies
Humanitarian Crisis: 13 Palestinians died in recent strikes on Khan Younis tents and Rafah aid queues. The UN warns occupation could worsen famine.
Global Backlash: The EU threatens to recognize Palestine if no ceasefire is reached.
Military Reluctance: Israel’s army opposes long-term governance in Gaza, fearing guerrilla resistance.


Geopolitical Dilemmas
India’s Challenge: Balancing historical support for Palestinian statehood with growing Israel ties (defense, tech).
Resistance vs. Occupation: History shows forced displacement fuels insurgencies (e.g., Lebanon 1982–2000).
Symbolism: Annexation would shatter the “two-state solution” framework endorsed by the UN.


Why This Matters for Exams
Syllabus Links:
Prelims: Current Events (conflict timelines, humanitarian agencies, global responses).
Mains GS II: Effect of Global Policies on India (diplomatic tightrope, West Asia’s impact on oil/security).
Essays/Interviews: Themes like “Human Rights vs. Security,” “Multilateralism in Crisis,” or “India’s West Asia Policy.”
Why Focus Here?
High probability in UPSC/PSC/SSC: 3–5 annual questions on West Asia conflicts.
Tests analytical skills: Occupation’s efficacy, famine as a weapon, India’s soft power.


Exam Q&A
Q1. What triggered Israel’s 2023 military campaign in Gaza?
Ans: Hamas’ cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking 250 hostages.
Q2. How might Gaza’s annexation impact regional stability?
Ans: Risks entrenching militant resistance, legitimizing forced displacement, and eroding the two-state solution framework.
Q3. Explain India’s diplomatic challenge in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Ans: India must reconcile historical support for Palestine with strategic ties to Israel, while navigating oil security, diaspora safety, and multilateral commitments.
Q4. Why has the Israeli military opposed long-term Gaza occupation?
Ans: It fears guerrilla warfare, governance burdens, and international isolation—mirroring past failed occupations.
Q5. What is the significance of European nations threatening to recognize Palestine?
Ans: It reflects global frustration with Israel’s actions, using diplomatic leverage to pressure ceasefire compliance.