The announcement by the Israeli government to take full military control of Gaza City has sparked strong condemnation from the international community, including the United Nations, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
The Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) planned military takeover is widely seen as a move that will escalate the ongoing conflict rather than bring it to an end. Critics warn that this strategy will lead to further destruction and loss of life in the region.
Turkey Calls for Immediate Halt and Ceasefire
The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a sharp condemnation of Israel’s plan, urging Tel Aviv to immediately stop all military operations, agree to a ceasefire in Gaza, and engage in negotiations toward a two-state solution.
The statement highlighted that Israel’s continued occupation and acts amount to genocide against the Palestinian people, dealing a severe blow to global security. Turkey also called on the international community to act decisively to prevent the implementation of what it described as a plan aimed at forcibly displacing Palestinians from their land, rendering Gaza uninhabitable.
Turkey appealed specifically to the United Nations Security Council to intervene and halt the plan.
UK Opposition: Labour Leader Calls Plan ‘Wrong’
British Labour Party leader Keir Starmer echoed international concerns, labeling the Israeli government’s move as “wrong” and urging a reconsideration of their approach. Starmer emphasized that escalating the attack on Gaza will neither end the conflict nor secure the release of hostages, but will only result in more bloodshed.
Starmer called for a ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages. He emphasized the need for a long-term peace plan based on a two-state solution. According to him, both parties must turn away from destruction, with Hamas having no role in the future of Gaza and needing to be disarmed.
UN Human Rights Chief Warns of Widespread Suffering
Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, condemned the Israeli plan, stating it must be stopped immediately. He pointed out that the plan violates international court decisions requiring Israel to end its occupation and uphold Palestinian self-determination under a two-state framework.
Türk warned that the military escalation would result in mass displacement, increased killings, unbearable suffering, extensive destruction, and serious crimes.
He urged the Israeli government to allow unobstructed humanitarian aid into Gaza to save civilian lives. Türk also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held by armed Palestinian groups and the release of Palestinians arbitrarily detained by Israel.
