Unity Crumbles as Global Powers Slam Israel's Gaza Operations
Israeli Strategy for Seizing Gaza: China Expresses Opposition to Prolongation of Military Actions
An international outcry erupted this week, as China and several other nations denounced Israel's military actions in Gaza and its plans to claim more Palestinian territory.
China's Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Lin Jian, publicly expressed China's disapproval at a press conference on Tuesday, calling Israel's stance "unacceptable." France echoed the sentiment, with Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot vehemently condemning Israel's expansionist intentions. Paris nevertheless remains committed to recognizing the Palestinian state.
In an unexpected turn, Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic movement, terminated the ceasefire negotiations, calling the ongoing conflict in Gaza irrelevant at this point in time. They implored the international community to intervene and compel Israel to end its "war of hunger."
Meanwhile, Houthi rebels in Yemen reported four deaths as a result of Israeli strikes targeting their Bajil cement factory and the port of Hodeidah.
A World Perturbed
The international community watches with apprehension as the Middle East faces a volatile situation. The European Union (EU), wary of further casualties and human suffering in Gaza, voiced grave concerns over Israel's plans[1]. Although the United States mediated a temporary ceasefire in January 2025, their current stance on Israel's escalating operations is not overtly critical, but they still face pressure to address the mounting humanitarian crisis in Gaza[3]. Meanwhile, Egypt and Qatar, key players in January's ceasefire, have remained less vocal in their criticism, but continued to push for de-escalation[3].
The United Nations (UN) calls for restraint and adherence to international law in all conflicts involving Israel and Palestine. The primary concern among the global community revolves around the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, exacerbated by Israel's halt on aid deliveries, causing widespread hunger and resource shortages[1]. Additionally, regional tensions escalate as Israel's actions complicate relationships with Iran and Hezbollah[3].
The international response focuses resolutely on urging restraint and de-escalation to avoid further humanitarian crises in the Gaza Strip. Decisions and actions by world powers in this volatile situation can have significant consequences in the Middle East and beyond. Follow our live coverage for the latest updates.
- The European Union (EU), with a shared concern over the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, has expressed its reservations about Israel's plans, prioritizing de-escalation to prevent further casualties and suffering.
- Despite the United States' mediation role in the temporary ceasefire, their current approach to Israel's escalating operations has faced criticism for not being overtly critical, as they grapple with the mounting humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
- Egypt and Qatar, key players in the previous ceasefire, have not been as vocal in their criticism, but continue to push for de-escalation in the conflict between Israel and Palestine, with the intention of preventing further escalation of regional tensions.
- Amidst the international outcry over Israel's military actions in Gaza, the United Nations (UN) has urged all parties to adhere to international law, particularly emphasizing the need to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, caused by Israel's halt on aid deliveries and resulting in widespread hunger and resource shortages.
