Summary
- EU’s Costa warns of Gaza City occupation consequences.
- Critics say occupation worsens the humanitarian crisis.
- Israel plans full control, risks displacement.
- EU and leaders condemn, urge restraint.
- Concerns over worsening famine and aid blockades.
The idea runs the risk of breaking international law and making Gaza's suffering worse, according to leaders from several European nations.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that intensifying the offensive "will only bring more bloodshed" and won't help bring the situation to an end or secure the release of hostages, and he encouraged Israel to "reconsider immediately."
“I strongly urge the Israeli government to reconsider its decision,”
Costa, who chairs the body representing the bloc’s 27 member states, wrote on X.
“The situation in Gaza remains dramatic, and the decision by the Israeli government will only further worsen it.”
“The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its offensive in Gaza is wrong, and we urge it to reconsider immediately,”
Starmer said in a statement from Downing Street.
The decision on X was also denounced by Spanish
Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, who claimed it would "only cause
further destruction and suffering." He went on to say that only a
two-state solution—which includes a workable and practical State of
Palestine—can bring about a sustainable peace.
John Swinney, the first minister of Scotland, referred to the plan as "wholly and utterly unacceptable" and urged the international community to take action to prevent Israel and ensure a cease-fire.
“It will create even more human suffering for the Palestinian people and further escalate the conflict,”
Swinney wrote on X.
Swedish Migration Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said any attempt to annex or alter Gaza’s territory would breach international law.
“I have previously reiterated that any attempt to annex, change or reduce the territory of Gaza would violate international law,”
she
told Swedish broadcaster SVT.
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker
Turk said the plan contradicts the International Court of Justice’s ruling that
Israel must end its occupation “as soon as possible.” He warned the escalation
would bring “more massive forced displacement, more killing, more unbearable
suffering, senseless destruction and atrocity crimes.”
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp condemned the plan, warning it would worsen the humanitarian crisis and obstruct efforts to free hostages.
“The plan of the Netanyahu government to intensify Israeli operations in Gaza is a wrong move... Gaza belongs to the Palestinians,”
he
wrote on X.
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot summoned Israel’s ambassador to protest plans to occupy Gaza City and expand settlements.
“All these cumulative acts, likely to potentially wipe Palestine off the map, are unacceptable and contrary to international law, United Nations resolutions, and the decisions of the International Court of Justice,”
he said.
With two brief breaks during cease-fires, Israel
has been carrying out its genocidal attacks in Gaza since October 2023.
Dismantling Hamas, securing the return of hostages, demilitarizing the Gaza
Strip, guaranteeing Israeli security control over the region, and establishing
a civilian government independent of Hamas and the Palestinian Authority are
the five principles for ending the war that were approved by the Israeli
Security Cabinet on Thursday.
Amid mounting indignation about Israel's
homicidal assault in Gaza, where over 61,000 Palestinians have been dead since
October 2023, the next operation is anticipated to last at least six months.
Israel's embargo is also causing widespread starvation in the enclave.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant were both wanted by the International Criminal Court in November for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The International Court of Justice is also considering a genocide complaint against Israel.
How might EU actions influence Israel's next Gaza strategy?
The EU is considering reassessing the EU-Israel
Association Agreement, which ties trade benefits and cooperation to respect for
international law and human rights.
The EU could suspend all or part of these
agreements to penalize Israel for actions considered violations, including
occupation policies affecting Gaza.
The EU might impose sanctions on Israeli
individuals and entities involved in settlement expansion and violence, as well
as on those promoting extreme policies toward Palestinians in Gaza. Such
measures could include travel bans and financial restrictions.