Israeli military appoints officer to oversee long-term occupation of Gaza

Gaza (Quds News Network)- The Israeli military has appointed a Brigadier General to oversee “humanitarian aid and civil coordination” in Gaza, underscoring Israel’s intention for a long-term occupation of the besieged strip. This appointment also highlights Israel’s intention to deepen its involvement in Gaza, contradicting claims by Israeli officials that the ongoing genocide is solely aimed at securing the occupation state.

The new role, held by Brigadier General Elad Goren, is designed “to coordinate humanitarian efforts and address civilian issues in Gaza”, claim Israeli media. This appointment contradicts statements by American officials, who have repeatedly asserted that they would not endorse a long-term occupation of Gaza. It also hinders the return of displaced residents and the reconstruction of the strip.

While Israel stresses that the appointment would be focused on coordinating humanitarian efforts, Israel is being criticized for repeatedly targeting aid workers. The World Food Program (WFP) recently criticized the Israeli military for targeting a UN-marked vehicle near an Israeli checkpoint. Since October, more than 280 aid workers – the majority of them staff members of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East – have been killed by Israel in Gaza.