Global powers encourage Netanyahu to re-evaluate the plan to seize control of Gaza
The international community is expressing overwhelming condemnation towards Israel's plan to seize military control of Gaza City and the Gaza Strip. This move, according to various sources, is expected to have severe humanitarian consequences and violate international law.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Urges Immediate Action
Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has called for the plan to be halted immediately. He warns that the implementation of this plan could lead to massive forced displacement, killing, and atrocity crimes. Türk urges Israel to allow the full, unfettered flow of humanitarian aid and stresses the need for the release of all hostages and Palestinians arbitrarily detained.
Amnesty International: Plan is an Outrageous Atrocity
Amnesty International describes the plan as an outrageous atrocity. They call on Israel's allies, including the EU, to take concrete action such as suspending arms transfers, imposing sanctions, ending the blockade, and ensuring humanitarian aid flows. Amnesty International labels the situation in Gaza a genocide unfolding due to decades of impunity for Israel’s apartheid.
Leading World Leaders Voice Concern and Condemnation
Several leading world leaders have expressed concern or condemnation. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the plan is “wrong” and would cause more bloodshed. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has suspended military equipment exports to Israel that might be used in Gaza. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urges Israel to reconsider, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls it a “dangerous escalation” that could deepen catastrophic consequences for Palestinians and endanger hostages.
Opposition within the Israeli Military
Some Israeli military officials reportedly oppose the plan, fearing it will cause heavy casualties among soldiers and civilians and benefit Hamas militarily.
UN Security Council Condemns the Plan
An emergency UN Security Council session condemned the plan, warning it could trigger “another horrific chapter” in the conflict, and urged Israel to reverse its decision.
Notable Exception: US Ambassador Defends Plan
A notable exception is the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, who defends the plan as necessary to defeat Hamas, comparing it to historical Allied actions in WWII.
Palestinian and Israeli Women Travel for Peace
In a contrasting note, a group of Palestinian and Israeli women who work together for peace in the world have traveled to Argentina this week.
Argentine Committee of Solidarity with the Palestinian People Organizes Protest
A protest organized by the Argentine Committee of Solidarity with the Palestinian People will take place throughout Argentine territory on Saturday.
French Perspective: Recognition of Palestine and Dialogue as Alternatives
From the French perspective, the recognition of Palestine and dialogue with Arab countries are the only alternative to a war and occupation project of Gaza.
Calls for Immediate Action
Immediate calls include lifting the blockade, releasing hostages, and respecting international law. The international community, including the UN, human rights groups, and most Western governments, are unified in opposing the takeover plan and demanding that Israel cease its military escalation, ensure humanitarian access, protect civilians, and pursue peaceful resolution efforts.
- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, and Amnesty International have urgently called for an immediate halt to Israel's plan to seize military control of Gaza City and the Gaza Strip, citing concerns about massive forced displacement, killing, and atrocity crimes.
- In the face of international condemnation, including from the UN Security Council, the EU, and several world leaders, the French perspective advocates for the recognition of Palestine and dialogue with Arab countries as alternatives to military escalation and occupation in Gaza.
