International criticism of Israel's proposed Gaza takeover is firmly dismissed by the country
In early August 2025, Israel's government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, approved a plan to seize and establish "operational control" over Gaza City as part of an expanded military operation [1][2]. The plan, which includes placing Gaza City under siege by October 7, 2025, evacuating about one million people into designated "humanitarian zones," and creating multiple points for distributing humanitarian aid, has been met with strong opposition from several countries, including the United Nations, UK, France, Canada, Germany, and others [1].
The Israeli military has endorsed the "main framework" of this operational plan, with active operations already underway, including attacks in Gaza City neighborhoods [2]. However, there have been strong objections from within Israel's own military establishment, warning that controlling Gaza City militarily may lead to severe casualties on both Israeli soldiers and Gaza civilians and could play into Hamas' strategic interests [1].
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has demanded that Israel immediately halt the plan for a full military takeover, calling the operation contrary to international law and warning of "massive forced displacement, more killing, and senseless destruction" if it proceeds [3]. He urged Israel to prioritize saving civilian lives by allowing unrestricted humanitarian aid and called on all parties to release hostages and detainees, emphasizing that the war must end for Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace [3].
Gaza's humanitarian situation is already dire amid the conflict, with hundreds of casualties recorded daily, including deaths during humanitarian aid efforts and from hunger [2]. Families of hostages have criticized the plan, fearing it amounts to a death sentence for those held by Hamas [2].
Germany has halted military exports to Israel in response to Israel's decision to intensify its war in Gaza [4]. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the criticism and threatened sanctions would not weaken Israel's resolve [5]. The article does not state whether other countries have imposed any sanctions on Israel in response to the plan.
The plan for taking control of Gaza includes five principles: disarming Hamas, returning all hostages, demilitarising the Gaza Strip, taking security control of the territory, and establishing an alternative civil administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority [1]. Hamas has deemed the plan to take control of Gaza as a "war crime" [1]. The article does not provide any information about the response from Hamas or other Palestinian groups to the plan. The plan may involve the displacement of around a million residents in the area further south [1].
Katz also said that Israel's enemies would find them as one strong, united fist that will strike them with great force [1]. The article does not mention any second offensive with a boost in aid following the displacement [2]. This developing story is being closely monitored as the international community calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Gaza.
- The United Nations, along with several other countries such as the UK, France, Canada, Germany, and others, have voiced strong opposition to Israel's plan to seize and establish operational control over Gaza City, citing concerns about human rights violations and potential loss of civilian lives.
- Despite growing international scrutiny and calls for peace, Israel's Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has maintained a firm stance, stating that criticism and threatened sanctions will not weaken Israel's resolve to take control of Gaza City, a move that Hamas deems as a 'war crime.'
