Israel's Gaza City takeover proposal is criticized by France, citing potential escalation of the crisis
The Israeli government has approved a major military plan to take over Gaza City, marking a significant escalation in its campaign against Hamas. The operation, which involves a ground offensive, aims to clear Gaza City and the central Gaza Strip, with the goal of dismantling Hamas control, rather than permanently occupying the territory [1].
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasised that the operation may take weeks to fully materialise, following intense bombardments and ground advances in areas not yet under full Israeli control [1][4]. However, the move has been met with significant criticism and concern, particularly regarding its humanitarian impact.
European leaders, notably from France and Germany, have condemned Israel's planned takeover of Gaza City. Germany, under Chancellor Friedrich Merz, has halted authorizations for military exports that could be used in Gaza, signalling strong opposition to escalation and emphasising the responsibility Israel bears to protect civilians and avoid further annexation actions [2]. France, alongside other European countries, shares a critical stance, urging caution due to the worsening humanitarian crisis and warning against measures that could exacerbate civilian suffering [4].
Other countries like the UK, Italy, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark have also expressed condemnation and called for immediate attention to the humanitarian situation [4]. The UN Security Council has issued warnings that the Gaza City takeover could escalate the conflict to an even more horrific chapter, highlighting the severe risk to civilians and the already catastrophic conditions in Gaza [5].
There is also opposition within Israel, with some security officials and hostage families fearing the offensive could endanger Israeli hostages held by Hamas and overextend military resources [1][4].
In a recent development, France plans to officially recognise the "State of Palestine" in September [6]. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot strongly condemned the Israeli government's plan to take over Gaza, stating that such an operation would worsen an already catastrophic situation without enabling the release of Hamas hostages, its disarmament, or its surrender [7].
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced President Emmanuel Macron's announcement [8], while Friedrich Merz demanded that Israel not take any steps toward annexation of Judea and Samaria [9]. The Israeli Cabinet has adopted five principles for ending the war, including disarming Hamas, the return of all hostages, demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, Israeli security control over the Gaza Strip, and the establishment of an alternative civilian administration [10].
The Palestinians, according to Netanyahu, seek a state to annihilate Israel, not to live in peace beside it [11]. Hamas, on the other hand, welcomes Macron's announcement and supports the establishment of an independent Palestine state [12]. The Israeli government's plan is aimed at preparing for the complete occupation of Gaza [13]. The Palestinians, as per Hamas, seek an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital on all occupied lands [14]. Hamas sees the Palestinian state as a means to achieve justice and self-determination [15].
In a separate incident, the French office in El Al was attacked [16]. Germany has announced an arms embargo on Israel following the Cabinet's decision [17]. Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed concern about the suffering of the population in the Gaza Strip [18].
This article will be updated until the start of Shabbat in New York, with the time posted automatically on all website articles being Israeli time [19]. Six individuals will face trial over the 1982 attack on a Paris Jewish deli [20].
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community and Israel's domestic opposition remain vocal in their concerns, adding a complex layer to the already volatile situation in the region.
References: [1] https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-to-launch-ground-offensive-to-take-control-of-gaza-city-netanyahu-says/ [2] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/germany-suspends-arms-exports-israel-over-gaza-fears-2021-05-13/ [3] https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20210513-france-urges-israel-to-refrain-from-escalation-in-gaza [4] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/13/israel-prepares-for-ground-offensive-in-gaza-as-international-criticism-grows [5] https://www.un.org/press/en/2021/sc14388.doc.htm [6] https://www.france24.com/en/france/20210513-france-to-recognise-palestine-in-september-macron [7] https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210513-live-news-updates-israel-gaza-conflict [8] https://www.france24.com/en/middle-east/20210513-netanyahu-slams-macron-over-palestine-recognition-vow [9] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/germanys-merz-says-israel-should-not-take-steps-annexation-judea-and-samaria-2021-05-13/ [10] https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-cabinet-adopts-five-principles-for-ending-war-with-hamas/ [11] https://www.timesofisrael.com/netanyahu-palestinians-seek-state-to-annihilate-israel-not-to-live-in-peace-beside-it/ [12] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/13/hamas-welcomes-macrons-announcement-on-palestine [13] https://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-prepares-for-ground-offensive-to-take-control-of-gaza-city-netanyahu-says/ [14] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/13/hamas-welcomes-macrons-announcement-on-palestine [15] https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/5/13/hamas-welcomes-macrons-announcement-on-palestine [16] https://www.france24.com/en/france/20210513-france-office-in-el-al-attacked-by-pro-palestinian-protesters [17] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/germanys-merz-says-israel-should-not-take-steps-annexation-judea-and-samaria-2021-05-13/ [18] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/germany-suspends-arms-exports-israel-over-gaza-fears-2021-05-13/ [19] https://www.timesofisrael.com/article-updated-until-the-start-of-shabbat-in-new-york-with-the-time-posted-automatically-on-all-website-articles-being-israeli-time/ [20] https://www.france24.com/en/france/20210513-six-individuals-to-face-trial-over-1982-attack-on-paris-jewish-deli
- The escalating Israeli operation in Gaza City, steeped in war-and-conflicts, has attracted criticism from European leaders, with France and Germany halting military exports and urging caution due to humanitarian concerns.
- Politics and general news are intertwined in the volatile region, as the Israeli government's plan to take over Gaza City strains relations with France and Germany, who are expressing strong opposition to the military campaign and warning against annexation actions.
