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GuardianIsrael's military planners have prepared for two more stages of conflict in Gaza that would escalate an already heavy air and ground offensive into a full military occupation of the strip and the toppling of the Hamas movement.
Although Israeli officials reportedly believe they have already secured some achievements in the 12-day war, and despite the mounting toll of civilian casualties, there is still a strong appetite among some to step up the conflict to a much more deadly level.The prime minister, Ehud Olmert, and his security cabinet were meeting today with army chiefs to discuss the plan.
The first stage of the conflict began with a week-long aerial and artillery bombardment of Gaza, before the second stage late on Saturday night when thousands of Israeli troops marched into Gaza with tanks and armoured vehicles.
The troops have faced heavy fighting, particularly in the north, and are now based on the outskirts of Gaza's urban areas, including Gaza City, which is effectively surrounded.
The cabinet may decide to consider the ceasefire proposals being discussed internationally, or it may continue the operation at this level. There is no suggestion yet that Israel is prepared to meet the demands of Hamas, notably the lifting of the economic blockade on Gaza.
But there is also a proposal to begin stage three, which would be to order the troops to fight their way into the heart of the urban areas, bringing with it much higher casualties on both sides. "The plan is to enter the urban centres," one Israeli source told Reuters.
A fourth stage would involve another major call-up of thousands of soldiers and then a full military occupation of Gaza and the toppling of Hamas, the Islamist movement that won Palestinian elections three years ago and now controls Gaza. One Israeli report said that fourth stage could last several months, even up to a year.more:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jan/07/gaza-israel-conflict