Encouraging International Action Against Hamas - Warnings Issued Against Potential Seizure of Gaza
In a move that has sparked international concern, Israel is reportedly considering a full military takeover of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government has approved plans for expanded military operations, including the potential takeover of Gaza City, with the aim of defeating Hamas [2].
The plans were publicly reported and discussed by Israeli officials as of August 2025. This potential escalation has been met with strong condemnation, particularly from the United Nations (UN). The UN Human Rights Chief, Volker Türk, has called for Israel’s plan for a complete military takeover of Gaza to be immediately halted. He argues that it violates international law and the ruling of the International Court of Justice, which calls for an end to Israeli occupation and supports a two-state solution [1][3].
Türk warns that this escalation will lead to massive forced displacement, increased killing, suffering, destruction, and atrocities [1]. Hamas, too, has condemned Israel’s plan as a war crime and threatened a heavy cost for such an action. Families of hostages and protesters in Israel have also criticized the plan, fearing it could be disastrous for the hostages’ fate [2].
The Israeli government asserts that humanitarian aid will be provided outside combat zones during their operations [2]. However, UN representative Miroslav Jenca has warned that a potential Israeli takeover of the Gaza Strip could have catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians and further endanger the lives of remaining hostages in Gaza [4].
The debate over the disarmament of the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia is heating up in Lebanon, with Hezbollah refusing to commit to a specific timeline for disarmament as long as Israel continues attacks and its troops remain deployed [5]. Meanwhile, months of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a deal for a ceasefire and the release of hostages have so far been unsuccessful [6].
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has called for international pressure on Hamas at the UN Security Council, accusing countries that recognise Palestine as a state of undermining a ceasefire agreement [7]. Saar also expressed concerns about the continued blockade of Gaza, stating that it is causing a humanitarian crisis [8].
According to UN reports, Gaza is indeed facing a humanitarian crisis, with over two million people living in dire conditions due to the Israeli military's blockade of the coastal region [8]. Some diplomats have called on Israel to end the war and the blockade of Gaza [9]. Opposition leader Jair Lapid has warned the government against fully occupying Gaza, stating that it could endanger the hostages there [10].
The Israeli security cabinet is scheduled to meet for consultations on Thursday to discuss this plan [7]. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold, but one thing is clear: the international community is closely watching Israel's actions and is urging caution to avoid further escalation and potential war crimes.
- The international community is closely following Israel's policy-and-legislation regarding the potential military takeover of Gaza, with the United Nations and various diplomats urging Israel to halt its plans, as they believe it violates war-and-conflicts laws and could lead to massive humanitarian issues.
- As the Israeli government contemplates a full military takeover of Gaza, general-news outlets have reported strong criticisms from multiple fronts, including Hamas, families of hostages and protesters in Israel, and the UN Human Rights Chief, who argues that the takeover could result in atrocities, forced displacement, and increased conflict.
