More countries across the globe have condemned Israel’s move to take over Gaza City.
Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry slammed the announcement, saying that it “strongly and unequivocally” condemns the move and firmly denounces Israel’s “continued perpetration of starvation crimes, brutal practices, and ethnic cleansing against the brotherly Palestinian people.”
In a call with the President of the Palestinian Authority, Egypt’s President, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi noted his country’s “categorical rejection of any displacement of Palestinians from their land,” as well as its “firm and unwavering position in support of the Palestinian people.”
The foreign ministry of Jordan said that it strongly condemned the plan, calling it an extension of Israel’s policy of “using starvation and blockade as a weapon against the Palestinian people, in addition to its persistent and systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools.”
Also, China’s foreign ministry stated that it is “gravely concerned” about Israel’s announcement, urging it to “stop the dangerous move at once.”
Portugal’s foreign ministry called for the Israeli plan to be suspended, saying that it “undermines the efforts towards a ceasefire and aggravates the humanitarian tragedy.”
The government of The Maldives called Israel’s plan a “blatant violation of international humanitarian law,” adding that any attempt to seize control of Gaza and dismantle Palestinian governance in Gaza is a direct assault on their right to self-determination and is a clear violation of international norms.
Additionally, Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, asserted that the Israeli government’s decision “must be reconsidered,” adding that “a ceasefire is needed now.”
Australia’s Foreign Minister, Penny Wong urged Israel to back down from its plan to occupy Gaza City, warning the expansion of the war would “only worsen the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.”
“Permanent forced displacement is a violation of international law. With international partners, Australia maintains our call for a ceasefire, the return of hostages and aid to flow unimpeded.”
Penny Wong
More than 100,000 people were estimated to have marched over the Sydney Harbor Bridge on Sunday to protest the war.
Hamas Says Israel’s Gaza City plan To Come At A “High Cost”
In a statement, Hamas condemned Israel’s plan to take over Gaza City, saying that it will come at a “high cost.”
“The approval by the Zionist ‘cabinet’ of plans to occupy Gaza City and forcibly evacuate its residents constitutes a new war crime that the occupation army is preparing to commit against the city and its nearly one million inhabitants.
“We warn the criminal occupation that this reckless adventure will come at a high cost and will not be a walk in the park.”
Hamas
Israel’s security cabinet on Friday approved a plan to take control of Gaza City and extend “security control” over the enclave, the Prime Minister’s Office said. Israel withdrew its troops and settlements from Gaza in 2005, after a 38-year occupation.
Hamas said that Israel’s “manipulation of language by replacing the term ‘occupation’ with ‘control’ is nothing more than an obvious attempt to evade its legal responsibility for the consequences of this brutal crime.”
It added that Israel’s decision “clearly explains the occupation’s sudden withdrawal from the latest round of negotiations,” which Hamas said was “on the verge” of reaching an agreement.
The group said that it will continue to take “all necessary steps” to pave the way for a ceasefire agreement that releases all hostages at once in exchange for an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Hamas added that Israel’s decision to expand the war in Gaza shows that Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu and his government are “indifferent to the fate of their captives” and “fully aware that expanding the aggression would mean sacrificing them.”
It added in its statement that the decision was “a clear reflection of their reckless disregard for the lives of prisoners in pursuit of failed political delusions.”
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