Netanyahu's mental faculties are called into question by Luxon, New Zealand's leader
The international community is expressing deep concern and opposition to Israel's planned military takeover of Gaza City, as the ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to unfold.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stating that he has "lost the plot" and that the planned occupation of Gaza City is "utterly unacceptable." Luxon also warned that a forcible displacement of people and an annexation of Gaza would be a breach of international law.
Australia's leader, Anthony Albanese, has also openly criticized Netanyahu, describing him as being "in denial" about the human cost of the war in Gaza. Foreign ministers from dozens of countries have demanded that Israel allow more aid into Gaza and permit humanitarian organizations to operate there.
The Green Party in New Zealand is advocating for sanctions against Israel, while Green Party co-leader Chloë Swarbrick was recently kicked out of Parliament for refusing to apologize for comments suggesting coalition lawmakers should support a bill to sanction Israel.
France, under President Emmanuel Macron, has announced it will recognize a Palestinian state in an announcement to the United Nations General Assembly in September. The French President has also called for an immediate ceasefire, access to humanitarian aid for the population of Gaza, the release of all hostages, and the demilitarization of Hamas.
Several countries, including Germany, have responded to the ongoing crisis by halting arms exports to Israel, citing fears of escalating violence and worsening humanitarian conditions. Saudi Arabia has characterized the planned takeover as “ethnic cleansing,” while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned that it “will only bring more bloodshed.”
The United Nations Security Council has held emergency sessions, where officials warned that Israel’s decision risks igniting “another horrific chapter” in the conflict. Representatives from Arab states and others called for restoration of Palestinian rights, an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages, and unhindered humanitarian access. The UN highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis, including famine newly confirmed in Gaza, deteriorated health systems, and urgent need for food, water, medicine, and civilian protection.
International actors emphasize that Gaza’s civilians are unarmed and heavily vulnerable. Many stress that long-term peace requires ending occupation and advancing Palestinian statehood as outlined by the Arab Peace Initiative.
Despite growing international disapproval and concerns about potential worsening global isolation for Israel, the Israeli government maintains its approach. However, internal Israeli military leadership reportedly prefers negotiating a truce rather than expanding the conflict.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has criticized Luxon's coalition government for not moving quickly enough on the issue. At least 227 people, including 103 children, have died from malnutrition since the beginning of the war in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The conservative coalition government of New Zealand is considering joining other Five-Eyes security alliance members in recognizing a Palestinian state.
On Monday, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced that New Zealand would consider its position on recognizing a Palestinian state over the next month. The international community continues to watch closely as the situation in Gaza unfolds.
Read also:
- Massive 8.8 earthquake hits off the coast of Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula, prompting Japan to issue a tsunami alert.
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Proposed Standardization of Food Labeling Laws Among Member States by the Commission
- Experimenting with Merz's Germany has stretched into an extended period of time, resembling a numerous three-month duration.
