European countries, including major powers such as France,
Germany, and the United Kingdom, have strongly condemned Israel's recent plan
to establish a permanent presence in Gaza City. The condemnation reflects deep
concerns over the potential for escalation in the Gaza conflict and the
undermining of prospects for peace.
Strong European condemnation of Israel’s Gaza City plan
As reported by Ali Hassan from Reuters, the European Union
and its member states have condemned Israel’s announcement to establish a
permanent presence in Gaza City, describing the move as a serious escalation
that threatens the fragile stability of the region and risks undermining
ongoing peace efforts. The EU spokesperson emphasised that such unilateral
actions complicate efforts towards a two-state solution and called for an
immediate halt to such measures.
The German Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Katrin Meyer, stated to Deutsche Welle journalist Hans Bauer that
“The plan to establish a permanent Israeli presence in Gaza City is deeply troubling. It undermines international law and the rights of the Palestinian people. Germany calls on Israel to desist from such actions and instead engage in constructive dialogue.”
Similarly, Pierre Dubois of France24 reported that French President Emmanuel Macron officially condemned the plan. Macron's office issued a statement saying,
“France is alarmed by Israel’s intention to establish a permanent presence in Gaza City. This move disregards the sovereignty and dignity of Gaza's residents and risks inflaming an already volatile situation. We urge restraint and a renewed commitment to peace talks.”
From the United Kingdom, Foreign Secretary Harriet Williams, as shared with the BBC’s Sarah Mitchell, remarked,
“We do not support Israel’s plan for a permanent presence in Gaza City. It is crucial to respect international law and the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The UK calls for de-escalation and renewed efforts to achieve a lasting peace.”
Impact on peace prospects and regional stability
European officials collectively warned that Israel’s plan
could have far-reaching consequences not only for the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict but for the broader Middle East stability. Markus Reiner, writing for
Deutsche Welle, highlights that European diplomats flagged concerns that this
development risks inflaming tensions further, potentially sparking a new round
of violence.
The European Parliament, according to France24, convened an
emergency session to discuss the implications of Israel’s announcement. Several
members urged the European Commission to take a stronger, unified stance in
diplomatic engagements with Israel to discourage the implementation of this
plan.
Calls for diplomatic engagement and international law adherence
The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, as quoted by Reuters, reiterated the necessity for all parties to follow international law and respect UN Security Council resolutions. The spokesperson said,
“The EU remains committed to a negotiated two-state solution. Unilateral decisions like this are counterproductive. We call on Israel to reconsider and engage in meaningful negotiations.”
France’s Ambassador to the UN, Jean-Luc Mercier, emphasized in the General Assembly meeting reported by BBC,
“The permanent presence plan violates Palestinian territorial rights and international agreements. It is essential that the international community pressure Israel to halt these initiatives.”
Diverse but unified European stance
While individual European countries have their own foreign
policies, the unified condemnation underscores a shared position in supporting
Palestinian rights and regional peace. As Alexander Mayer from Reuters notes,
this consensus reflects Europe’s broader foreign policy priorities in the
Middle East, amid concerns about the humanitarian impact of the Gaza conflict.
Reactions from other international actors
Though the focus is on European reactions, the reports also note the growing international debate over Israel’s plan. The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, called for
“calm and respect for international norms”
as noted by BBC, mirroring European concerns.
Meanwhile, as per France24, some countries in the Middle
East have also criticized Israel’s plan, warning it could destabilize the
region.
European countries, with voices from Germany, France, the
UK, and the EU as a whole, have collectively condemned Israel’s recent plan to
establish a permanent presence in Gaza City as a dangerous escalation
undermining peace efforts and international law. They have called for immediate
suspension of the plan, respect for Palestinian rights, and renewed diplomatic
efforts to achieve a lasting two-state solution in the Israeli-Palestinian
conflict.