Criticism from countries worldwide over Israel's Gaza plans

The international community is voicing strong concern over Israel's plans to seize Gaza City, with warnings that the move could worsen the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.

The United Nations and other global actors have condemned the proposed military takeover, fearing it could lead to massive forced displacement, intensify violence, and exacerbate an already catastrophic humanitarian situation.

Key points from recent developments include:

Israel's plan, set to take effect by October 7, 2025, involves the evacuation of up to a million Palestinian civilians to designated "humanitarian zones" outside combat areas. This is seen as a precursor to establishing broader Israeli control over Gaza[1][2].
UN officials have warned that this operation risks "igniting another horrific chapter" and could uproot around 800,000 civilians, many already displaced. Reports suggest a military siege and clearance campaign lasting several months[1].
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has strongly opposed the military takeover, stating it violates international law and risks "more massive forced displacement, more killing, more unbearable suffering, senseless destruction, and atrocity crimes." He urged Israel to halt the plan and prioritize unfettered humanitarian aid access and hostages’ release[3].
Within Israel, there are reported military objections to the plan, with some commanders warning the operation could lead to high military and civilian casualties, similar to previous urban conflicts like Fallujah and Mosul. This could potentially play into Hamas's strategic interests[2].

The international community, led by the UN, is calling for an immediate halt to the military takeover plan, emphasizing humanitarian concerns, adherence to international law, and the need to avoid further escalation and civilian suffering in Gaza[1][3]. The potential impact of the plan includes massive displacement and a deepening of the humanitarian crisis given the scale and duration of the anticipated military operation[1][2][3].

Notably, the United Arab Emirates has called for de-escalating measures and warned against the spread of violence, tensions, and insecurity throughout the region. The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that the planned offensive undermines efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire. Global criticism of the plans is increasing, with allies in Europe and key mediators in the region opposing an expansion of military operations in the blockaded coastal strip[4][5].

The European Union's Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Council President António Costa have urged the Israeli government to reconsider its decision to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip. Germany, Britain, Italy, New Zealand, and Australia have rejected Israel's plans to seize the city of Gaza, stating that the offensive would exacerbate the humanitarian situation, endanger the lives of hostages, and could lead to massive civilian displacement[6].

In a statement, the partners called on the international community to work towards a lasting ceasefire and aid deliveries for the needy population in the Gaza Strip. They also suggested that the only way to achieve lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians is through a two-state solution[7].

As the situation unfolds, the UN Security Council is set to convene an emergency meeting to address the matter on Sunday. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned of a "dangerous escalation." Qatar, which plays a key role in indirect negotiations between Israel and the Islamic Hamas, has condemned Israel's plans to seize the city of Gaza, stating that it threatens to further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip[8].

In a separate development, Germany has halted exports of military goods that could be used in the Gaza conflict, adding to the growing international pressure on Israel to reconsider its plans[9]. Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp has stated that Netanyahu's government is losing Europe's support[10].

As the international community continues to express concern, the future of Gaza City remains uncertain, with the potential for a humanitarian crisis of unprecedented proportions looming large.

The potential military takeover of Gaza City by Israel is a matter of great concern for the international community, with the United Nations leading the calls for an immediate halt to the plan. General-news outlets report that this operation could lead to massive forced displacement, intensify violence, and worsen the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region, as warned by Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. Politics surrounding the region are becoming increasingly complex, with the European Union, key mediators, and the United Arab Emirates also expressing strong oppositions to Israel's expansion of military operations in Gaza.