Israel's actions in Gaza incite strong condemnation from the Palestinian Authority
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, the international community is voicing serious concerns about the humanitarian impact and the risk of further destabilization.
On Saturday, foreign ministers from Italy, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom issued a statement criticizing the decision to occupy Gaza City. They expressed concern that this move would exacerbate the humanitarian crisis, endanger lives, and increase the risk of a mass exodus of civilians.
As of mid-August 2025, the conflict has been ongoing, with Israel preparing for a renewed and expanded military offensive to gain full control over Gaza City. Israel has pledged to achieve victory against Hamas and is conducting evacuations of Gaza civilians ahead of the anticipated ground operations, which may start soon after early October when evacuations are expected to conclude.
The UN and OCHA have called for the protection of civilians, immediate release of hostages and detained Palestinians, and unhindered humanitarian aid access. They also reminded Israel of the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures requiring urgent provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the UN officials emphasize that there is no military solution to the conflict, and warn that Israel’s plan to displace around 800,000 civilians from Gaza City could ignite another severe escalation with massive displacement and destruction.
In terms of diplomacy, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are reportedly working on proposals for a ceasefire that could potentially include a phased release of hostages and eventually a comprehensive deal to end the war. However, Israeli leadership indicates the military offensive may still proceed.
The Palestinian Authority, which does not have a presence in Gaza, which has been governed by Hamas for nearly two decades, has criticized the Israeli government's decision to expand military operations in Gaza. The Palestinian Authority has urged the international community, led by the UN Security Council, to compel the Israeli government to cease its aggression, allow the entry of aid, and enable the State of Palestine to assume its full responsibilities in Gaza.
The territory is home to about three million Palestinians and around half a million Israelis living in settlements considered illegal under international law. Hamas' 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, and according to Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry, Israel's offensive has resulted in the death of over 61,000 Palestinians.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained defiant over the decision, despite the backlash and rumours of dissent from Israeli military top brass. Netanyahu stated that the goal is not to occupy Gaza, but to free it from Hamas.
The criticism was made by the Palestinian Authority's presidential spokesman, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, who called the Israeli government's moves an "unprecedented challenge and provocation to the international will to achieve peace and stability". The decision has triggered a wave of criticism across the globe.
The statement does not approve of the decision to occupy Gaza City, but it expresses concern about the potential consequences of the decision, including the worsening of the humanitarian crisis, the endangerment of lives, and the increased risk of a mass exodus of civilians.
- The statement issued by foreign ministers from Italy, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, in response to Israel's decision to occupy Gaza City, also highlights concerns about the worsening health situation in Gaza due to the ongoing war-and-conflicts.
- The Palestinian Authority, criticizing Israel's decision to expand military operations in Gaza, has urged the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to focus on the general-news of ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians in Gaza.
- In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, various diplomatic efforts have emerged, such as Egypt, Qatar, and the United States' proposed ceasefire, which emphasize the importance of prioritizing the health and wellbeing of the civilian population, as well as the need for a comprehensive solution to end the war-and-conflicts in the region.
