International Relations Warnings: Israel's Ambition for Gaza Governance May Push Towards Unyielding Stalemate, According to France
The international community has expressed caution and criticism over Israel's plan to place Gaza City under siege, evacuate about a million people to new "humanitarian zones," and establish multiple points for humanitarian aid distribution. The plan, authorized by the Israeli cabinet on August 8, 2025, aims at expanding military control over Gaza but faces significant skepticism about its feasibility and consequences.
United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the plan as an "error" and urged the Netanyahu government to "reconsider it immediately." France condemned Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to "defeat" Hamas and "take control" of Gaza, stating it risks leading to "an absolute dead end." China expressed grave concern over Israel's plan and called for an immediate halt to Israel's dangerous actions in Gaza. Turkey urged the international community to prevent the implementation of Israel's plan to forcibly displace Palestinians from their own land.
The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, sharply criticized Israel's plan, stating that it should have consequences for the EU's relations with Israel. Germany suspended arms exports that Israel could use in Gaza, citing difficulty in understanding how the Israeli military plan would achieve its objectives in the Gaza Strip. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for an immediate halt to Benjamin Netanyahu's plan to take control of the Gaza Strip. Volker Türk warned that Netanyahu's plan risks causing massive forced displacements, killings, unbearable suffering, senseless destruction, and heinous crimes. Hamas had logically rejected the plan, denouncing it as a "new war crime" that would "cost Israel dearly."
The main international concerns include the humanitarian impact of the forced evacuation and siege, which could exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, straining already limited resources and risking civilian lives despite the designated “humanitarian zones” and aid points. The military and political risks are also a concern, as even Israeli military voices have objected, warning that the plan may result in high casualties on both sides and enable Hamas’ strategic goals, drawing parallels to costly urban battles in Fallujah and Mosul.
The aggressive military approach may further undermine diplomatic efforts by escalating the conflict and deepening mistrust. It creates a challenging environment for negotiations by entrenching divisions and fueling animosity. Overall, the international community is likely wary of endorsing such a plan outright, emphasizing the need for protecting civilians and pursuing sustained dialogue to alleviate the conflict. The plan’s implications suggest a potential setback for humanitarian aid delivery and peace efforts in Gaza.
[1] Source: Various international news outlets and statements from diplomatic bodies.
- The international community, including the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has raised concerns that Israel's plan could cause massive forced displacements, exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and lead to senseless destruction, highlighting the need for protecting civilians.
- Political bodies worldwide, such as the European Council and Commission, have sharply criticized Israel's plan and have called for an immediate ceasefire, expressing concerns about the potential setback for humanitarian aid delivery and peace efforts in Gaza.
