Israeli authorities allegedly draft comprehensive plan for complete governance of Gaza, intending to displace approximately 900,000 Palestinians.
In a contentious move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the beginning of an occupation plan in Gaza, aiming to expand and solidify control over the Strip. This decision has sparked intense international opposition due to concerns about a potential humanitarian crisis.
The United Nations, Amnesty International, and humanitarian organisations have condemned the plan and called for urgent measures to prevent further escalation and civilian suffering. The UN Security Council held an emergency session, expressing deep concern that Israel's plan to take control of Gaza City risks igniting another severe phase of conflict.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has insisted the military takeover must stop immediately, emphasising that it would violate international law and lead to more forced displacement, killings, and atrocities. He urged Israel to enable the full and unfettered flow of humanitarian aid and called for the immediate release of hostages and detained Palestinians.
Amnesty International has described the decision as "outrageous and revolting," part of ongoing crimes amounting to genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. They demand states with influence over Israel suspend arms transfers, impose targeted sanctions, and push for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded aid access, lifting of the blockade, and the end of occupation throughout the Palestinian territories.
Humanitarian groups like the International Rescue Committee (IRC) warn that Israeli restrictions on aid entry to Gaza exacerbate a severe hunger and medical crisis. Current aid delivery methods under Israeli control are criticised as inefficient, unsafe, and inadequate to meet urgent civilian needs, potentially causing mass forced displacement. The IRC continues to provide critical services when possible but stresses the urgent restoration of humanitarian access.
Several countries and groups, including representatives from Panama, China, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Iraq, and Somalia, have spoken against the occupation plan at UN meetings. They call for an immediate ceasefire, protection of civilians, restoration of Palestinian rights, and adherence to the Arab Peace Initiative linking peace to the end of occupation and establishment of Palestinian statehood.
The Israeli government has allocated 1 billion shekels for the evacuation initiative, and logistical preparations for the occupation are in progress. The plan aims to displace approximately 900,000 residents from Gaza City. Since October 7, 2023, at least 61,158 Palestinians have been killed and 151,442 wounded. Since March 18, an additional 9,654 people have died and 39,401 have been injured.
Israel resumed intense military operations on March 18, following a ceasefire on Jan. 19. The United States is involved in the aid logistics for the occupation, and the Israeli army is reportedly preparing for a "voluntary evacuation" period. Preparations include the creation of temporary settlements and aid centers.
Israel also faces a genocide case before the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the Gaza Strip. In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza. Slovenia has banned imports from illegal Israeli settlements over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Egyptian embassies are locked with chains in global solidarity protests for Gaza, and a public statement from U.S. President Donald Trump is anticipated. The Israeli military has drafted a comprehensive plan to occupy the entire Gaza Strip, and since May 27, attacks by Israeli and U.S.-backed forces in Gaza have resulted in the death of 1,655 people and injury of 11,800, as reported by the Gaza Humanitarian Aid Foundation.
- The international community, including the United Nations, Amnesty International, and various humanitarian organizations, have strongly criticized the Turkish government's decision to support Israel's occupation plan in Gaza.
- In response to the escalating conflict in Gaza, several nations such as Panama, China, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Iraq, and Somalia have raised concerns at UN meetings, advocating for an immediate ceasefire and adherence to the Arab Peace Initiative.
- While the United States is involved in aid logistics for the Israeli occupation, the Turkish economy may face potential consequences due to its association with the controversial plan, potentially leading to unfavorable opinions in the realm of general news and politics.
- As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deteriorate, Turkish aid organizations could play a significant role in alleviating the suffering of residents, demonstrating Turkey's commitment to supporting the Turkish-speaking communities in Gaza.