Urgent call to halt imminent seizure of Gaza, as asserted by the United Nations
Israel has announced its intention to take control of the Gaza Strip, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating that the country will not govern or keep the territory. This proposed military operation, described as a "de facto ultimatum" by the Israel Hayom newspaper, has sparked a wave of criticism from international actors [1][2][3].
The plan, approved by Israel's security cabinet, involves a full military takeover of Gaza City and the surrounding areas. Troops are expected to surround the city and operate within it, according to public radio Kan. The operation is anticipated to last several months and require a massive mobilization of reservists [3].
One of the key concerns surrounding this proposed military takeover is the potential displacement of up to 800,000 civilians from Gaza City by early October 2025. The UN estimates the need for at least 600 trucks of aid per day, while only 70-80 trucks per day are currently being delivered [3].
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has expressed concern over the plan, insisting that it "must be immediately halted." Türk highlights that such a complete military occupation violates international law and will cause massive forced displacement, heightened suffering, and atrocity crimes [1].
UN officials and the Security Council warn that the military approach risks igniting another severe escalation and regional destabilization. They emphasize the urgent need for protection of civilians, immediate unconditional release of all hostages, and facilitation of humanitarian relief in Gaza [3].
Experts note that Israel's plan, perceived as a major policy shift, may lead to a protracted insurgency and further suffering for both hostages and Gaza’s civilian population. There is skepticism about military pressure achieving the desired outcomes, and discussions are ongoing about alternative strategies such as an “all-for-all” hostage exchange combined with humanitarian aid and phased withdrawal linked to interim Arab security forces [2].
The Forum of Families, the main organization of Israeli hostage families, has criticized the plan due to the possible abandonment of hostages. Hamas still holds 49 hostages, including 27 presumed dead, and has criticized Netanyahu's plans [1].
The Islamic movement has denounced a reversal of the negotiation process and warned of a high cost for any escalation. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has criticized the plan as a potential catastrophe [3].
Approximately 2.4 million Palestinians live under daily bombardment in Gaza. The UN warns that, after 22 months of war, Gaza is threatened with "generalized famine" and relies entirely on insufficiently distributed humanitarian aid [1].
The proposed military takeover comes amidst ongoing tensions in the region. It is important to note that Israel previously occupied Gaza in 1967 and established 21 Israeli colonies, which were dismantled in 2005 following the unilateral decision by then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon [1].
Amjad Al-Chawa, director of the Palestinian NGO Network in Gaza, states that inspection procedures at entry points are slowing down aid delivery [3].
In summary, Israel's plan for military reoccupation of Gaza is officially endorsed but highly contested due to concerns over humanitarian impact, legality under international law, and regional stability. The UN and other international actors call for an end to hostilities and a resolution through peaceful, diplomatic means respecting Palestinian self-determination [1][2][3].
The proposed military operation in Gaza, which involves a full takeover by Israeli troops, is met with criticism from the international community, including UN officials and the Security Council, who worry about the potential humanitarian crisis, violation of international law, and regional instability. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, calls for an immediate halt to the plan, as it could lead to massive forced displacement, heightened suffering, and atrocity crimes.
The military takeover, anticipated to last several months, has re-ignited discussions about alternative strategies, such as humanitarian aid, phased withdrawal, and interim Arab security forces, as experts question the effectiveness of military pressure in resolving the conflict. The Forum of Families, a main organization of Israeli hostage families, has criticized the plan due to concerns over the possible abandonment of hostages still held by Hamas.
