Israel is moving ahead with one of its most ambitious and perilous military operations, to take Gaza City from Hamas. “Operation Gideon’s Chariots B” has called up 60,000 reservists and envisions the evacuation of nearly 1 million residents to the south, clearing the way for a full-scale assault.

The strategic logic is undeniable. Hamas’ command structure, finances and political control are centered in Gaza City. If that base remains intact, Hamas’ ability to regroup and threaten Israel will survive. As such, eliminating Hamas’ grip on Gaza City is a military and national imperative.

But the implications are daunting. Under international law, once Israel dismantles Hamas’ governing structures and maintains “effective control,” it risks being deemed an occupying power. That status carries

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