Israel Stands Firm Amid Global Reproach Over Gaza City Control Strategy

The Israeli government has pushed forward with a controversial plan to seize control of Gaza City, prompting backlash from global leaders and raising humanitarian concerns. Defence Minister Katz emphasized Israel's commitment to its strategy to incapacitate Hamas, while facing criticism from the UN and various nations. The proposed expansion of military operations aims to address the ongoing conflict but faces fierce opposition domestically and internationally.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration has rebuffed international rebuke concerning a newly approved initiative aimed at seizing control of Gaza City, arguing it is crucial for "defeating Hamas" and "ending the ongoing war." In a recent statement, Defence Minister Israel Katz firmly declared that external criticism and threats of sanctions will not diminish Israel's determination; he asserted, "Our enemies will find us as one strong, united fist that will strike them with great force."

The Israeli security cabinet's endorsement of this strategy has led to condemnation from numerous world leaders, including those of the UK, France, and Canada, with Germany taking a strong stand by halting military exports to Israel. The adopted five-point plan outlines principles for concluding the conflict, notably the disbandment of Hamas, the repatriation of hostages, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, the establishment of security oversight by Israel, and the setup of an alternative civil administration that excludes both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

According to reports from Israeli media, the current plan initially targets the complete takeover of Gaza City while relocating approximately one million residents southward. Additionally, the initiative includes taking control of central Gaza refugee camps and areas believed to house hostages. A second offensive is expected to follow soon, coinciding with an increase in humanitarian assistance to the beleaguered region.

Despite the government’s resolve, the decision to escalate military action has sparked considerable dissent within Israel itself, particularly from military officials and families of hostages currently held in Gaza. Hamas has condemned the planned occupation as a "new war crime," warning it would result in severe repercussions for Israel.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk cautioned that any further escalation would lead to "more massive forced displacement," increased fatalities, and extensive suffering. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer voiced his disapproval, while Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Israel to reconsider, stressing that such a course would exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Turkey's foreign ministry insisted that the international community must intervene to prevent Israel's plan, accusing it of intending to "forcibly displace Palestinians from their own land."

China's foreign ministry stressed that Gaza remains the rightful territory of the Palestinian people. In a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu expressed disappointment over Germany's decision to suspend arms exports, attributing it to appeasing "Hamas terrorism" rather than supporting Israel's right to defend itself.

At home in Israel, families of hostages have raised alarms that the proposed military operation could endanger the lives of the 20 individuals believed to have survived in Gaza. The Hostages Families Forum Headquarters stated that this decision pushes the nation toward a "colossal catastrophe" for both hostages and military personnel.

In contrast to international disapproval, the United States has adopted a more lenient stance. President Trump remarked that the decision on whether to fully occupy the Gaza Strip is largely up to Israel itself. As it currently stands, the Israel Defense Forces occupy about 75% of Gaza, yet the UN indicates that a vast majority of its 2.1 million residents remain in areas not under their control. Humanitarian conditions across Gaza have reached a critical state, with estimates suggesting a potential famine and widespread deprivation exacerbated by strict Israeli restrictions on aid and resources.

The conflict erupted after Hamas launched an attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to the deaths of around 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages. In retaliation, Israel commenced a military campaign that, according to Gaza's health ministry, has resulted in the death of over 61,158 Palestinians.