Gaza occupation plan is labeled a "disaster" by Israeli opposition, while the United Nations urges an immediate pause
In a controversial move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed a plan to take over the Gaza Strip, aiming to establish "operational control" over Gaza City and expanding this control throughout the region. The plan, approved by the Israeli government's security cabinet early Friday morning, includes five principles: disarmament of Hamas, return of hostages, demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, control of Israeli security, and establishment of an alternative civil administration [1][2].
However, reactions to the plan have been strongly critical from various quarters. Israeli military leaders have raised serious objections, warning the plan could lead to disastrous casualties on both soldiers’ and civilians’ sides and risk escalating the conflict. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir highlighted these concerns and emphasized the life-and-death stakes involved [1][4].
Hamas has condemned the plan, accusing Netanyahu of sacrificing Israeli hostages for a personal agenda and vowing resistance, threatening a costly price for any occupation attempt [4]. The United Nations, including High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Secretary-General António Guterres, have warned against a full military takeover, calling it illegal under international law and likely to worsen the humanitarian crisis. They urged an immediate halt to escalation, unimpeded humanitarian aid, and the unconditional release of hostages [3][5].
The UN recalled the International Court of Justice's 2024 advisory that Israel has an obligation to end its occupation of the Palestinian territories, including Gaza [3][5]. The plan's critics also include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who has expressed a similar stance to Starmer, calling for an immediate ceasefire. Turkey has requested the international community and the UN Security Council to act to prevent the execution of the plan [1].
The plan displaces over a million inhabitants of Gaza, raising concerns about the humanitarian impact. Australia has urged Israel not to proceed with the plan, stating that it will only worsen the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Opposition leader Yair Lapid believes that the plan will lead to the death of hostages and many soldiers. The Dutch government has withdrawn three licenses for the export of military boat parts to Israel due to the "risk of unwanted end-use" in Israeli bombings in Gaza and the "deteriorating situation" in the Strip [1].
The UN Security Council is expected to meet on Saturday to address the situation in Gaza. The President of the EU Council, António Costa, reiterates that the two-state solution remains the only sustainable solution for peace in the long run. France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot strongly condemns the Israeli government's plan, stating that it aggravates the already catastrophic situation in Gaza. Belgium has summoned the Israeli ambassador to the country [1].
Germany has suspended exports of arms to Israel that could be used in Gaza due to concerns about the plan's objectives. Spain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, has firmly condemned the Israeli government's decision to escalate military occupation in Gaza [1]. The opposition leader Yair Lapid believes that the plan will lead to the death of hostages and many soldiers. The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has demanded that Israel halt the operation to occupy the City of Gaza, understanding it as a complete military conquest of the Gaza Strip [1].
Notably, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s goal is liberation from Hamas rule, not a permanent occupation, asserting that Gazans are "begging" for freedom from Hamas [2]. However, the Palestinian Authority warns that Israel's new operation to enter Gaza City represents an absolute crime and will result in the forced displacement of at least 800,000 Palestinians [1]. The President of the EU Council, António Costa, reiterates that the two-state solution remains the only sustainable solution for peace in the long run [1].
The United Nations, including High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Secretary-General António Guterres, have expressed concern about the plan, stating that a full military takeover escalates the conflict and worsens the humanitarian crisis, contrary to international law [3][5]. The Dutch government has withdrawn three licenses for the export of military boat parts to Israel due to the risk of unwanted end-use in Israeli bombings in Gaza and the deteriorating situation in the Strip, linking politics and general news [1].
