The United Kingdom and four of its key allies have strongly criticised Israel’s decision to launch a large-scale military operation in Gaza, warning it will worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of Britain, Australia, Germany, Italy, France, Canada, Austria, Norway, and New Zealand condemned the planned offensive, stating it will “endanger the lives of hostages” and “risk violating international humanitarian law.”
The criticism comes just one day after Israel’s security cabinet approved an operation to take full military control of Gaza City, declaring that a total takeover of the enclave is necessary to end the conflict sparked by the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023.
The ministers said they “strongly reject” the decision and cautioned against “mass displacement of civilians.” They also warned that “any attempts at annexation or settlement expansion violate international law,” urging Israel to agree to a permanent ceasefire as famine looms in Gaza.
Global Outcry Over Gaza Occupation Plans
France, Canada, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations also voiced opposition to Israel’s plan for full occupation of Gaza. Meanwhile, Sky News analysis revealed that airdropped aid has had little impact on Gaza’s hunger crisis and has even caused fatalities, with one father-of-two killed by a falling package.
Israel-Germany Tensions Rise
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed disappointment in a phone call with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz after Berlin announced it would stop selling arms to Israel. Netanyahu accused Germany of “rewarding Hamas terrorism” by imposing an arms embargo.
US-UK Divide Over Gaza Strategy
The US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, criticised UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for calling Israel’s Gaza escalation “wrong.” Huckabee questioned the UK’s stance, drawing historical comparisons and accusing Starmer of siding against Israel’s “just war” against Hamas.
Sir Keir has pledged to recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel meets specific conditions to end the war. However, US President JD Vance said the Trump administration has “no plans to recognise a Palestinian state,” citing the lack of a functional government in Gaza.
UN Security Council to Convene
The UN Security Council is set to meet on Saturday to discuss the crisis. Ambassador Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian representative to the UN, confirmed that several countries have requested the meeting in light of Israel’s announced plans.
