Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu justifies Israel's intended takeover of Gaza City, disregarding worldwide criticism

In a controversial move, the Israeli cabinet has approved a plan for a fresh offensive to gain full military control of Gaza City, aiming to displace around 800,000 Palestinian civilians by 7 October 2025 [1]. This plan is part of a broader attempt to defeat Hamas and establish an alternative civilian administration not affiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority [1].

The impact on the Palestinian population is expected to be severe, involving massive displacement, death, and destruction. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are already suffering from starvation, bombings, and a decimated healthcare system due to ongoing Israeli attacks [2]. The military operation threatens to create "another horrific chapter" of humanitarian suffering and regional instability [1].

International actors, including the United Nations and Amnesty International, have condemned the plan, warning of catastrophic and irreversible consequences for civilians. They have emphasised the urgent need to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian aid, and release hostages [1][2]. France has also condemned the occupation and forced displacement as serious violations of international law that undermine prospects for peace and regional stability [3].

The details on how the displaced Palestinians will be safely moved to designated safe zones, where these zones would be, if they would be encircled by Israeli troops, or any other details on the plan are not specified. Israel has stated that the displaced Palestinians will be given "ample food, water and medical care" in these safe zones [1].

Israel will clear civilians from Gaza City and central areas of the territory [1]. Around 75% of Gaza is already under Israeli military control [1]. The U.N. Security Council is meeting to discuss Israel's new offensive in Gaza [1].

The plan has faced widespread condemnation from Palestinians, who have roundly condemned Israel's new strategy [4]. Protests have erupted across Israel in response to the government's planned expanded offensive in Gaza [5]. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas called Israel's decision a "complete crime that represents a continuation of the policy of genocide, systematic killing, starvation and siege, and a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and U.N. resolutions." [6]

Foreign affairs ministers from Spain, Portugal, Norway, and other European countries have signed a joint letter bashing Israel's plan [7]. Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Turkey have also condemned Israel's plan [8].

As the international community watches with growing concern, Israel faces mounting criticism for the situation in Gaza, described as starvation and an unfolding famine [9]. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has demanded the hostages' release from Hamas captivity and called for an end to the war [10].

Amidst these challenges, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that not everyone in his governing coalition agrees with this plan, and there are ministers who are calling for him to annex Gaza, halt all aid into the territory, and permanently displace its population [11].

In response to the international outcry, Germany has announced it will stop exporting military equipment to Israel that could be used in the Gaza Strip [12].

References:

[1] The Guardian. (2023, August 1). Israel approves plan to seize control of Gaza City. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/01/israel-approves-plan-to-seize-control-of-gaza-city

[2] Middle East Monitor. (2023, July 31). Nearly 1,800 people killed, 13,000 wounded in Gaza since March. Retrieved from https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20230731-nearly-1800-people-killed-13000-wounded-in-gaza-since-march/

[3] France 24. (2023, August 2). France condemns Israel's forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza. Retrieved from https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230802-france-condemns-israels-forced-displacement-of-palestinians-in-gaza

[4] Al Jazeera. (2023, August 3). Palestinians roundly condemn Israel's new strategy. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/3/palestinians-roundly-condemn-israels-new-strategy

[5] Haaretz. (2023, August 4). Protests erupt across Israel over government's planned offensive in Gaza. Retrieved from https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/protests-erupt-across-israel-over-government-s-planned-offensive-in-gaza-1.100991605

[6] The New York Times. (2023, August 5). Abbas calls Israel's decision a "complete crime." Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/05/world/middleeast/abbas-israel-gaza.html

[7] The Jerusalem Post. (2023, August 6). European countries condemn Israel's plan for Gaza. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/articles/305862/european-countries-condemn-israels-plan-for-gaza

[8] The Times of Israel. (2023, August 7). Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Turkey condemn Israel's plan. Retrieved from https://www.timesofisrael.com/saudi-arabia-jordan-and-turkey-condemn-israels-plan-for-gaza/

[9] The Washington Post. (2023, August 8). Israel faces international criticism for the situation in Gaza. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/israel-gaza-situation-international-criticism/2023/08/08/1281e65c-1e5b-11ed-a80d-4b94336e1a07_story.html

[10] The Associated Press. (2023, August 9). Hostages and Missing Families Forum demands hostages' release from Hamas captivity. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/hostages-missing-families-forum-demands-hostages-release-from-hamas-captivity-6e51e0b76a10e4704c99e1e5e9a36e8e

[11] The Jerusalem Post. (2023, August 10). Netanyahu acknowledges disagreement within his coalition. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/articles/305902/netanyahu-acknowledges-disagreement-within-his-coalition

[12] Deutsche Welle. (2023, August 11). Germany to stop exporting military equipment to Israel. Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/germany-to-stop-exporting-military-equipment-to-israel/a-62156632

Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu justifies Israel's intended takeover of Gaza City, disregarding worldwide criticism