Jerusalem, Aug 09 (V7N) – Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to seize Gaza City, in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as part of a broader strategy to take full military control of the entire Gaza Strip. The move, reported by Al Jazeera, has sparked widespread international criticism and warnings of a worsening humanitarian crisis.

UN Concerns
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the decision a “dangerous escalation” and urged an immediate, permanent ceasefire. UN human rights chief Volker Türk condemned the plan, saying it violated an International Court of Justice ruling and infringed on Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

Palestinian Response
The office of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas denounced the plan as a “complete crime,” accusing Israel of genocide, starvation tactics, and extending its blockade. Hamas warned the move would endanger Israeli captives held in Gaza, while Islamic Jihad described it as “a new chapter in the war of genocide.”

European Union Position
EU Council President António Costa said the decision would strain EU-Israel relations, while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged a review of the plan.

Joint International Condemnation
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Australia, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom said the plan violated international human rights law. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called it a “misguided decision” that would fuel further bloodshed.

Reactions from Germany, France, and China
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a suspension of all military equipment exports that could be used in Gaza. France labeled the move a “serious breach of international law,” and China expressed “deep concern” while urging an immediate ceasefire.

Middle Eastern Response
Türkiye denounced the plan as an attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians. Egypt called it a “war of genocide” and urged swift global action, while Saudi Arabia condemned it as “part of ethnic cleansing.” Iran described it as “clear evidence of genocide,” Qatar warned of “dangerous escalation,” and Jordan said it would destroy prospects for a two-state solution.

Further Global Reactions
The United Arab Emirates warned of “catastrophic consequences,” Indonesia called it a violation of international law, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said it would endanger detainees’ lives, and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong described it as “permanent displacement.” Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the decision and urged global intervention.

Inside Israel
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz insisted that international condemnation would not deter the operation. However, opposition leader Yair Lapid blasted the decision as “catastrophic” and accused the military of disregarding expert advice.

Human Rights Outcry
Amnesty International Secretary-General Agnès Callamard described the plan as “the ultimate abhorrence and horror,” warning that expanding military operations in Gaza would lead to a broader massacre.

END/RH/AJ