Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to militarily reoccupy ‘all of’ Gaza has drawn sharp international condemnation and heightened fears over a worsening humanitarian crisis.
On Friday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Israel to reconsider its plan. In a post on X, she called for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas, urgent humanitarian aid, and an immediate ceasefire.
UN human rights chief calls plan “illegal”
The Israeli cabinet had approved the plan to take over Gaza City but earlier Mr Netanyahu had said all of Gaza was the intention and it blunted none of the response. UN human rights chief Volker Türk condemned the plan as illegal under international law and called for an immediate halt to Israel’s military occupation. Members of the European Parliament echoed these concerns, demanding a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access.
The S&D Group minced no words in their statement, warning that the decision would only increase suffering.
Both Israelis and Palestinians, are going to be killed because of Netanyahu’s senseless strategy. – Yannis Maniatis, S&D vice-president
Yannis Maniatis, S&D vice-president, wrote:
“More death and destruction – that is what this horrific decision means. Countless people, both Israelis and Palestinians, are going to be killed because of Netanyahu’s senseless strategy, which goes against the security of Israel and the hostages, and is opposed by civil society and the Israeli people…”
“Given the seriousness of the situation, Maniatis wrote, “these developments must urgently be discussed by the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council as well as in the AFET Committee of the European Parliament.”
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Great Britain’s Starmer calls decision “wrong”
Other leaders who also weighed in on Friday included UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called Israel’s plan “wrong” and urged restraint. Germany went as far as to suspend military exports to Israel to prevent their use in Gaza. Regional powers and Palestinian officials condemned the plan, with the latter describing Israel’s actions as “genocide.”
The Israeli government’s decision to further extend its military operation in Gaza must be reconsidered. – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
UN Special Rapporteur on torture Alice Jill Edwards meanwhile focused on the hostages, demanding their unconditional release after deeply disturbing images of emaciated captives emerged over the weekend.
Experts warn that Mr Netanyahu’s decision to escalate military operations risks massive displacement and further suffering for civilians in Gaza.
