Germany issues warnings to international partners concerning Israel's proposed Gaza operation
The international community is expressing strong opposition to Israel's plans to seize and control Gaza City, considering it a dangerous escalation that risks worsening the humanitarian crisis and violating international law.
The offensive, if carried out, could exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. Germany's Chancellor, Friedrich Merz (CDU), has announced a temporary ban on exports of military goods that could be used in the Gaza conflict.
Germany, the UK, Italy, New Zealand, and Australia have collectively rejected Israel's plans, joining about 20 Arab and Muslim nations, the UN, and regional blocs like CARICOM in their condemnation.
The current international stance broadly condemns Israel's plans as a dangerous escalation that risks worsening the humanitarian crisis and violating international law. Many countries, including these nations, have emphasized the profound suffering of civilians, the blockade-induced famine, and the potential de facto annexation these plans represent.
Regarding potential violations of international humanitarian law (IHL), experts and international bodies warn that:
- The intensified Israeli air strikes and planned ground offensives targeting Gaza City could lead to widespread destruction of civilian property and infrastructure.
- Attacks near humanitarian aid distribution points and the blockade preventing sufficient food, medicine, and fuel result in indirect starvation and deprivation, which may constitute violations under IHL prohibiting collective punishment.
- The deliberate targeting of civilians and civilian objects, including media workers and journalists, violates the principle of distinction and is condemned as unlawful.
- The imposition of a new administrative control over Gaza against the will of its population and Hamas may violate principles related to occupation and annexation under international law.
The UN Security Council and humanitarian agencies have highlighted the risk of "starvation, pure and simple" as a direct consequence of the offensive and restrictions on aid. CARICOM and others have called for an immediate ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access to comply with international legal obligations and prevent further loss of civilian life.
The joint statement from the partners calls for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and advocates for a two-state solution as the means to achieve lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. The statement also demands the immediate release of hostages from the Islamic Hamas.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) should play a central role in any future government in the Gaza Strip, as per the statement. However, Israel has recently decided to escalate military operations in the Gaza Strip and seize the city of Gaza, as reported. The lives of hostages in Gaza could be endangered by the proposed offensive.
In summary, the international community is alarmed over Israel’s Gaza City seizure plans, considering them a violation of IHL principles, particularly due to civilian harm and destruction disproportionate to military necessity, hindering humanitarian aid causing famine, possible unlawful annexation actions, and impeding independent verification and protection of journalists. These combined factors have led to widespread diplomatic condemnation and calls for a ceasefire and negotiated peace.
- The offensive proposed by Israel to seize Gaza City risks intensifying the already devastating humanitarian situation, leading to further violations of international humanitarian law due to the potential destruction of civilian property, starvation, and attacks on journalists.
- Given the imminent threat to civilians, civilian property, and an already dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza City, many nations require Israel to immediately cease their plans for military action, as such actions jeopardize peace efforts and violate international law.
