Israeli impunity: Genocide, occupation and apartheid

Israel says it launched its attack on Gaza after the Al-Qassam Brigades infiltrated Israeli towns around the Gaza envelope and took over 200 prisoners of war back to the enclave on 7 October 2023.

The surprise action led to Israel instigating the 'Hannibal Directive', which saw it kill many of its own citizens in an effort to reduce the number of prisoners captured and taken back to Gaza.

The Hannibal Directive has long been the subject of intense debate and criticism. It essentially authorises the use of maximum force to prevent the capture of Israeli soldiers and citizens, even at the risk of harming or killing the soldiers and citizens themselves.

Since October 2023, Israel has declared its war aims in Gaza:

• The release of all prisoners of war held in Gaza;
• Defeating Hamas;
• Allowing Israelis who fled the areas around Gaza to return to their homes.

Tel Aviv later expanded its war goals to include the return of northern residents who were evacuated due to raised tensions with Hezbollah along the occupation state's northern border with Lebanon.