As a ceasefire in Gaza took hold in January, Anas Al-Sharif began removing his protective gear live on television, piece by piece, while a jubilant crowd cheered, hoping the day marked the end of the suffering of 2 million Palestinians in the enclave.

Israel’s prime minister revealed the previously undisclosed objective amid pressure internationally and at home.

The Israeli government said last week that it wanted to capture Gaza City, but how and when it will proceed has yet to be decided.