elpais.com
Gaza's Communications Cut Amidst Israeli Offensive
Amidst an impending deadline for half a million Gaza civilians to evacuate, Israel has cut off all internet and phone service across the Gaza Strip, a precursor to intensified attacks, as Israeli forces advance on Gaza City, resulting in 79 deaths in the last 24 hours.
- What is the immediate impact of Israel cutting off communications in Gaza?
- The immediate impact is the complete loss of internet and phone access across Gaza, hindering communication and potentially exacerbating the humanitarian crisis as Israel advances its ground incursion in Gaza City, resulting in at least 79 deaths in the last 24 hours. This communication blackout follows similar patterns before previous escalations of violence.
- How is the Israeli offensive affecting the civilian population of Gaza City, and what are the broader implications?
- Israel's ground offensive is concentrated in eastern suburbs of Gaza City, targeting populated areas like Sheij Radwán and Tel al Hawa, where the majority of the remaining 600,000-800,000 residents are concentrated. This, combined with the destruction of hospitals, is causing a major humanitarian crisis, with 79 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. The forced displacement of civilians continues, made worse by hunger and the high cost of evacuation.
- What are the long-term implications of Israel's actions in Gaza, considering recent statements by Israeli and US officials?
- Statements by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich regarding the planned "destruction" of Gaza City and discussions with the US about territorial division, coupled with past proposals by US President Donald Trump to create a 'Riviera of the Near East', point to a potential long-term plan for significant alterations to Gaza's demographics and territory. This, along with the systematic targeting of infrastructure, suggests a prolonged conflict with lasting consequences for the Palestinian population.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a critical view of Israel's actions in Gaza, focusing on the humanitarian crisis and the potential for further violence. The description of Israel's actions as 'systematic destruction' and the quote from Smotrich about Gaza being 'destroyed' and 'renovated' strongly frames Israel's actions in a negative light. The headline, while not explicitly provided, would likely emphasize the dire situation in Gaza, furthering this framing. However, the article also includes Israeli justifications, such as the claim of creating a 'humanitarian zone,' although it immediately contradicts this claim by mentioning the zone's poor conditions and previous bombings of designated safe areas. The inclusion of these contradictory elements presents a more balanced picture, although the overall tone leans towards a critical portrayal of Israel's actions.
Language Bias
The article uses strong, emotionally charged language, such as 'systematic destruction,' 'inminente aumento de la violencia,' and 'limpieza étnica.' These terms lack neutrality and may influence reader perception. Neutral alternatives could be 'extensive damage,' 'potential for increased violence,' and 'population displacement,' respectively. The repeated use of phrases like 'forzoso desplazamiento' and 'hambrienta' emphasizes the suffering of the Palestinian population. While descriptive, these terms could be made more neutral by focusing on factual details rather than emotional impact.
Bias by Omission
While the article provides a detailed account of the situation in Gaza, potential omissions exist. There is limited direct quoting of Israeli officials beyond Smotrich's comments, which may limit the reader's access to diverse perspectives. The article mentions the attack by Hamas in October 2023 briefly, but the context and details surrounding this event are not fully explored, leaving the reader with incomplete information on that crucial factor. The motivations of different actors are mostly implied rather than directly explained, potentially simplifying a complex conflict. The long-term geopolitical context is largely absent. It also does not give equal weight to the perspective of the Israeli government regarding the reasons for the offensive.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy in the portrayal of the 'humanitarian zone' offered by Israel. It is presented as both a safe haven and a dangerous, uninhabitable place. This forces the reader into an eitheor scenario, obscuring the complexity of the situation and the lack of viable options for civilians. Similarly, the narrative about Smotrich's comments on dividing the territory presents a simplified vision of future plans, ignoring the potential for further complexities and negotiations.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article describes the destruction of Gaza, displacement of civilians, and statements from Israeli officials indicating intent to reshape the territory. These actions directly violate international humanitarian law and undermine peace and justice. The cutoff of communication, the targeting of civilians, and the planned demolition of Gaza all represent severe breaches of international norms and principles related to the protection of civilians during conflict.