Permanent members of the United Nations Security Council Voice Disapproval of Israel's Proposed Occupation of Gaza
The international community is expressing significant concern over Israel's plan to gradually occupy Gaza and forcibly displace Palestinians. This decision, which has been met with widespread criticism, is viewed as potentially exacerbating humanitarian suffering and destabilising the region.
Israel's Security Cabinet approved a plan to occupy Gaza, aiming to displace Palestinians from the north to the south. This move has drawn strong criticism from multiple countries and leaders. For instance, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz halted arms exports to Israel for use in Gaza, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Israel's decision "wrong." The Dutch Foreign Minister has stated that the move would not help secure the release of hostages, and China has stressed that "Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people" and called for an immediate ceasefire. Denmark has urged Israel to reverse its decision.
The United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on Sunday to discuss this contentious issue. Four of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council have condemned Israel's plan to occupy Gaza. Russia accused Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar of hypocrisy, China urged Israel to stop its plan, and the U.K. warned that expanding military operations will not bring an end to the conflict and will not secure the release of hostages. Russia continues to support Israel's "right to defend itself," but the U.S. is the only member to support Israel's actions.
The humanitarian impact of this military campaign in Gaza is devastating. The enclave has been brought to the brink of famine, and Amnesty International and other human rights groups accuse Israel of deliberate starvation policies against Palestinians as part of its military strategy. This strategy is described as a form of genocide, and these groups are calling for an end to arms transfers and sanctions against Israel.
France has firm opposition to any plan for the occupation, annexation, and settlement of the Gaza Strip, stating that such a move will not contribute to Israel's security. Other countries, like Bolivia and Brazil, have condemned Israeli actions more explicitly and called for de-escalation and a two-state solution.
Israel defends its actions, denying allegations of starvation policies and blaming Hamas for looting aid supplies. However, the international community remains united in its call for a halt to military operations, protection of civilians, and the resumption of peace negotiations.
It is important to note that Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the Gaza enclave. The deadly war on Gaza, which has been ongoing since October 2023, has resulted in the deaths of over 61,000 people.
In conclusion, the international community broadly condemns Israel's plan to occupy Gaza and forcibly displace Palestinians, viewing it as likely to exacerbate humanitarian suffering and destabilise the region. There are widespread calls for cessation of military actions, protection of civilians, and resumption of peace negotiations.
- The Israeli plan to occupy Gaza and forcibly displace Palestinians has sparked intense criticism from the global political arena, with several countries, including Germany, UK, Netherlands, China, Denmark, France, Bolivia, and Brazil, expressing their disapproval.
- Against the backdrop of war-and-conflicts in Gaza, general news outlets are reporting a unified international community, demanding an end to military operations, protecting civilians, and resumption of peace negotiations with Israel.
