Israel's proposed Gaza takeover plan deemed illegal prompting PM Shehbaz to call for international action
The Israeli security cabinet's decision to approve a plan for a full military takeover of the Gaza Strip, starting with Gaza City, has sparked concern and criticism on the global stage [1].
The Israeli premier, Benjamin Netanyahu, announced plans to seize complete control of the Gaza Strip, a move that has been denounced by various countries and international organisations as a potential war crime. The group Hamas, Israel's foe, has also condemned the plan to expand the fighting [1].
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan strongly condemned this plan, calling it a dangerous escalation in the war against Palestinians. He believes the root cause of the tragedy lies in Israel's prolonged and illegal occupation of Palestinian territories [1]. The PM reaffirms Pakistan's unwavering support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
The international community, including China, Turkey, the UK, and the UN's rights chief, has also expressed swift criticism against the Israeli plan. The Israeli army's preparation to take control of Gaza City under the newly approved plan has triggered a wave of concern about the potential for escalating violence and humanitarian crises in the already devastated region [1].
The Israeli premier's office, however, stated that humanitarian assistance will be distributed to the civilian population outside combat zones. The new plan does not intend for Israel to govern Gaza, but to establish a security perimeter and hand the territory to Arab forces [1].
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for an immediate halt to Israel's military takeover plan, emphasizing that it violates international law and could worsen the suffering and displacement of Palestinians. He urged Israel to focus on saving civilian lives by allowing unrestricted humanitarian aid into Gaza and demanded the immediate unconditional release of hostages held by Palestinian armed groups, as well as the release of Palestinians detained arbitrarily by Israel [1].
Israel occupied Gaza from 1967 but withdrew its troops and settlers in 2005. PM Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure to secure a truce to pull Gaza's more than two million people back from the brink of famine [1].
The current situation has led PM Shehbaz to urge the international community to act urgently to halt Israel's "unwarranted aggression", safeguard civilian lives, and facilitate the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The international community's response will play a crucial role in de-escalating the conflict and paving the way for peace in the region.
[1] Sources: Various news outlets and international organisations.
News on the Israeli government's decision to take over Gaza has been met with criticism from the international community, with leaders condemning it as a potential war crime and violation of international law. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called for an immediate halt to the military takeover, urging Israel to focus on saving civilian lives and delivering humanitarian aid. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has denounced the plan as a dangerous escalation in the war against Palestinians and has encouraged the international community to act urgently to prevent further conflict and ensure the delivery of aid.
