Israel's offensive aims to make Gaza uninhabitable, says HRW
Gaza: Israel continues its military assault on Gaza while implementing measures to establish direct control over the region, raising concerns over forced displacement and long-term occupation. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has stated that Israel’s actions are part of a deliberate plan to make Gaza uninhabitable.
Despite ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, the Israeli offensive has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths. HRW has linked the campaign to U.S. President Donald Trump's resettlement plan, which reportedly includes strategies to seize Gaza and remove its Palestinian population.
Meanwhile, Israel has placed humanitarian aid distribution under the oversight of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), an agency under the Israeli Defence Ministry. Aid will now be channelled through Israeli-controlled logistics hubs, with assistance restricted to those deemed “non-disruptive.” The closure of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt is expected to significantly impact the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). Israel has also mandated that all NGOs in Gaza register with its authorities, bringing their operations under Israeli control.
Additionally, a new governance division under the Israeli Defence Ministry will regulate Palestinian departures from Gaza, overseeing land, sea, and air travel. Israeli officials claim these measures comply with international law and align with U.S. policies on Gaza.
Simultaneously, Israel has approved the construction of 13 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank under the directive of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. HRW has condemned the move, calling it an illegal expansion aimed at annexing Palestinian land.
Reports from the Israeli publication Mekomit suggest that as early as October 2023, Israel’s intelligence ministry had drafted plans to depopulate Gaza and assume full control over the enclave. Initial proposals reportedly included relocating Palestinians to Egypt’s Sinai region. The developments indicate a broader strategy to integrate Gaza into Israel while limiting Palestinian self-governance.
In response, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia have proposed a $53 billion reconstruction plan for Gaza. However, with continued military operations and growing restrictions on aid, the region faces an escalating humanitarian crisis.
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KSRTC to run 1000 special services to clear Christmas rush
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.
In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.
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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.
