Global Leaders Condemn Israel’s Gaza City Takeover Plan
UN, world powers, and human rights groups warn of catastrophic consequences and violations of international law
Tehran, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Israel’s approval of a full military takeover of Gaza City has triggered an unprecedented wave of international condemnation, with the United Nations, world powers, and rights advocates warning that the move will escalate the humanitarian crisis and violate core principles of international law.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called the decision “a dangerous escalation” that risks “deepening the already catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians.” His spokesperson warned that the operation would bring “additional forced displacement, killings, and massive destruction,” compounding the “unimaginable suffering” of Gaza’s population.
Posting on social media, Guterres reiterated his “urgent appeal for a permanent ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access across Gaza, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” stressing that the plan could further endanger lives, including those of captives still held in the territory.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk also demanded the plan’s immediate halt, stating it “runs contrary to the International Court of Justice ruling” that Israel must end its occupation as soon as possible, and undermines both the agreed two-state solution and Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
A united front of global opposition
China voiced “serious concerns,” declaring Gaza an “inseparable part of Palestinian territory” and urging Israel to cease “dangerous actions” immediately. Beijing insisted that only a ceasefire could address the humanitarian crisis and secure hostage releases, pledging to work with the international community to end the fighting.
The European Union signalled possible diplomatic consequences. European Council President António Costa said the Israeli decision “must have consequences for EU-Israel relations” and violates the agreement announced with the bloc in July, as well as international law.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney called the move “completely and utterly unacceptable,” warning it would escalate the conflict and increase Palestinian suffering. Former UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn accused the British government of complicity, saying, “If the government was truly horrified by Israel’s occupation of Gaza, it would stop supplying them with weapons.”
France issued a sharp rebuke through Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, condemning the plan “in the strongest terms” and warning it would worsen the humanitarian disaster while undermining Palestinian aspirations for a sovereign state. Belgium summoned the Israeli ambassador to express “total disapproval,” citing ongoing settlement expansion and efforts to annex parts of the West Bank.
Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares told AFP the decision would “only cause more destruction and suffering,” while Saudi Arabia denounced Israel for “committing crimes of starvation, brutal practices, and ethnic cleansing” against Palestinians.
Turkey described the plan as a “heavy blow” to peace and security, urging the global community to prevent what it called an attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians from their homeland.
A sign of growing isolation
The UN Security Council has rescheduled an emergency meeting on the Israeli decision for Sunday. Observers note that the strong reactions from even some of Israel’s closest allies highlight Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s growing diplomatic isolation.
With humanitarian conditions in Gaza already at breaking point, critics warn that the occupation of Gaza City could tip the enclave into total collapse, leaving regional stability and prospects for peace further out of reach. (PW)
Source: Tehran Times