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Arab-Israeli conflicts

Global Leaders Condemn Israel's Decision to Seize Gaza City, Warning of Exacerbating Humanitarian Crisis

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

World leaders have reacted with strong condemnation to Israel's decision to seize control of Gaza City, warning that the move risks exacerbating the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The plans have sparked fresh condemnation from countries that have expressed anger over the situation in Gaza and urged Israel to end the war, which started as a response to the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the Israeli political-security cabinet's decision to seize Gaza City was wrong and urged the Israeli government to reconsider. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his country will not authorise any exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza "until further notice," emphasizing that Israel "has the right to defend itself against Hamas' terror." Hamas described Israel's decision as a "war crime," adding that the Israeli government "does not care about the fate of its hostages."

Key Takeaways:

  • At least 61,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's war in Gaza, according to Gaza's health ministry, which is run by Hamas.
  • The Israeli military says nearly 900 of its soldiers have died since the start of the war.
  • Over 251 people were taken to Gaza as hostages, while around 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas attacks on Israel.
  • The Palestine Red Crescent Society has accused Israeli forces of targeting Palestinian civilians waiting to receive aid in Gaza and killing one of its staff members.
  • US President Donald Trump commented earlier that the decision was "really up to Israel" and blamed Hamas for stalling negotiations.
  • The Israeli security cabinet approved the controversial plan on early Friday, marking a new escalation in the country's nearly two-year-long war against Hamas.
  • An Israeli airstrike on eastern Lebanon on Friday killed several people, including a senior member of a Palestinian group and his bodyguard as they were on their way to Syria.
  • The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Tèk said the Israeli government's plan for a complete military takeover of the occupied Gaza Strip must be immediately halted.
  • Turkey condemned Israel's plan to take control of Gaza City, calling on the international community and United Nations Security Council to act to prevent the plan's implementation.

Statistics:

  • Over 61,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's war in Gaza (as per Gaza's health ministry).
  • Nearly 900 Israeli soldiers have died since the start of the war (as per the Israeli military).
  • 251 people were taken to Gaza as hostages, and around 1,200 people were killed in the Hamas attacks on Israel.
  • The Israeli military says that thousands of reservists will need to be called up for the operations, which could take months.
  • Around 800,000 Palestinians live in Gaza City (as per the BBC).

Sources:

  • Reuters
  • Agence France-Presse (AFP)
  • BBC
  • AP
  • ABP Private Limited

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