Venezuela Condemns Hateful Slaying of Al Jazeera Journalists, Rejects Israel's Gaza Occupation Strategy
In the heart of August 2025, Israel initiated a military operation to occupy Gaza City, a move that has raised concerns about potential war crimes and massive civilian harm[1][2][3][4]. The operation, named "Gideon's Chariots II", has seen the call-up of 50,000 to 60,000 reservists, amidst ongoing airstrikes causing significant civilian casualties.
The United Nations (UN) and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) have openly opposed this plan, urging Israel to halt the military takeover. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, strongly urged Israel to cease the military action, citing that it contradicts international law and referencing a prior International Court of Justice ruling requiring Israel to end its occupation and pursue a two-state solution[4]. The UN emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian aid, and immediate release of all hostages, warning that the continued conflict will result in greater displacement, deaths, and suffering[3][4].
The ICJ also called for stopping the occupation plan to prevent further atrocities and war crimes[2]. Humanitarian agencies report widespread destruction and civilian casualties in Gaza City neighborhoods, severe humanitarian needs, and the threat of famine without ceasefire and aid access[3].
Venezuela, historically critical of Israel's policies towards Palestinians and supportive of Palestinian rights, has not explicitly detailed its recent official position or actions concerning Israel’s occupation plan in Gaza. However, the Venezuelan government has strongly condemned the murder of Al Jazeera media workers in Gaza, describing the assassination as a "war crime" and part of Israel's "systematic strategy to silence the press." One high-profile case was that of veteran Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was fatally shot in the head by Israeli forces in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank, in May 2022[5].
The Venezuelan government has also expressed solidarity with the families and colleagues of the murdered journalists and reiterated its "unwavering support" for the Palestinian cause. The Venezuelan Solidarity Movement with Palestine Al Awda held a rally in front of the UN headquarters in Caracas, demanding the expulsion of Israel from the multilateral body for its war crimes[6].
Since October 2023, Israel has killed nearly 270 journalists and media personnel in Gaza. Over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed, and millions displaced during Israel's relentless bombing of Gaza[7]. Entire communities have been razed, and essential infrastructure, as well as cultural and historical landmarks, have been destroyed. Israeli airstrikes have destroyed 73 media institutions in Gaza and another 15 media outlets have been forced to close in the West Bank[8].
Venezuela supports South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The Maduro government has urged recognizing Palestine as a full UN member with East Jerusalem as its capital, restoring its 1967 borders, and ensuring the safe return of all Palestinians[9].
Amidst this crisis, the World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that 500,000 people in Gaza are on the brink of famine, with Gaza health officials reporting that more than 200 people have recently starved to death due to inadequate and insufficient humanitarian aid provision[10].
References:
- Israel begins Gaza operation amid fears of war crimes
- ICJ calls for stopping Israeli occupation plan in Gaza
- UN urges Israel to halt Gaza military takeover
- UN condemns Israeli plan to invade and occupy Gaza
- Venezuela condemns murder of Al Jazeera journalists in Gaza
- Venezuela rallies for expulsion of Israel from UN over war crimes
- Israeli death toll in Gaza rises to nearly 270 journalists
- Israeli airstrikes destroy Gaza media institutions
- Maduro government urges recognition of Palestine as UN member
- WFP warns 500,000 people in Gaza are on the brink of famine
Policies surrounding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, particularly the military operation named "Gideon's Chariots II" in Gaza City, have become a significant focus of general news and politics [1][2][3][4]. The United Nations (UN), the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), and various humanitarian agencies have voiced their concerns and opposition to these war-and-conflicts, urging Israel to cease military actions and ensure unhindered humanitarian aid due to the potential for war crimes and the high number of civilian casualties [2][3][4]. Venezuela, along with other nations, has also condemned the conflict and expressed solidarity with Palestinians, supporting initiatives such as recognizing Palestine as a full UN member and urging Israel to pursue a two-state solution that adheres to international law [4][9].
