Trump expresses approval for Netanyahu's Gaza control campaign despite international rebuke
In a controversial move, Israel's State Security Cabinet has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan for a complete military "takeover" of Gaza City, with intentions to eventually take control of the entire Gaza Strip[1]. This plan, which could lead to mass forcible displacement of around one million civilians, extensive destruction, and potential war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ)[1], has sparked strong opposition from the international community.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called for an immediate halt to the military takeover, stating it contravenes international law and a recent International Court of Justice ruling demanding the end of occupation and realization of a two-state solution with Palestinian self-determination[2][3].
The UN and human rights groups warn that escalation will bring more killing, forced displacement, suffering, and atrocity crimes[2][3]. They urge Israel to allow full humanitarian aid access to Gaza civilians, call for the immediate unconditional release of hostages held by Palestinian groups, and also request the release of Palestinians arbitrarily detained by Israel[2][3].
Notably, Germany, France, Canada, and the UK have announced halts on military exports to Israel for use in Gaza[4]. Saudi Arabia has also condemned Netanyahu's Gaza takeover plan[5]. The US, while committing to lead humanitarian aid efforts amid Gaza's dire crisis, has refrained from opposing Israel's military expansion in the region[6].
Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir has warned the Cabinet that the occupation could endanger hostages and entrap the military, but has committed to executing the plan "in the best possible way." However, opposition leader Yair Lapid in Israel has called Netanyahu's plan a "total disaster"[7].
Egypt and Qatar, along with the US, are reportedly drafting a ceasefire framework that includes the release of hostages[8]. The ceasefire framework involves the release of hostages in exchange for ending the war and Israeli withdrawal, according to The Associated Press[9].
The UK has called an emergency UN Security Council meeting regarding the situation in Gaza[10]. US Vice President Vance acknowledged differences in approach but noted shared objectives with British Foreign Minister David Lammy[11]. Will Todman of the Center for Strategic and International Studies warns of the risks of a prolonged Israeli occupation without a clear exit plan[12].
Netanyahu's plan, approved by Israel's security Cabinet, has deepened domestic divisions and isolated Israel from European, Arab, and Gulf allies[13]. However, Netanyahu dismissed international criticism, stating that Israel aims to free Gaza from Hamas[14].
Sources: 1. The Guardian 2. Al Jazeera 3. Reuters 4. Haaretz 5. Arab News 6. CNN 7. The Jerusalem Post 8. The New York Times 9. The Associated Press 10. BBC News 11. The Washington Post 12. The Hill 13. Deutsche Welle 14. The Times of Israel
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has expressed an opinion strongly opposing Israel's planned military takeover of Gaza City, stating it contravenes international law and could lead to general-news events such as war-and-conflicts, mass displacement, and potential human rights violations. Meanwhile, the UK has called for an urgent discussion about the situation in Gaza at the United Nations Security Council, reflecting the international politics surrounding this controversial move.
