Israel's move to seize Gaza City sparks global condemnation
Germany announced that it will suspend any exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza.
Israel's decision to take over Gaza City has been met with strong rejection from the Palestinians and widespread international condemnation, marking a further escalation in its 22-month war with Hamas.
The move, approved in a late-night security Cabinet meeting, has also sparked concern in Israel over the fate of hostages still held by the group, reports AP.
The planned ground operation is expected to worsen Gaza's humanitarian crisis, with the territory already on the brink of famine. Hamas vowed that people in Gaza would "remain defiant against occupation."
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Mediators from Egypt and Qatar, backed by major Gulf states, are working on a new framework to end the war and secure the release of all hostages — dead or alive — in exchange for an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. The proposal aims to resolve disputes over Hamas' weapons, with discussions underway about a possible "freeze" on their use, and calls for the group to relinquish power. Under the plan, a Palestinian-Arab committee would govern Gaza and oversee reconstruction until a new administration, with a police force trained by US allies in the Middle East, takes over.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Berlin will suspend any exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza, citing Israel's intensified military action. He reaffirmed Germany's support for Israel's right to defend itself but stressed that freeing hostages and advancing meaningful ceasefire negotiations remain top priorities.
The UK, Spain, Turkey, and Australia also criticized Israel's Gaza City plan, warning it would only cause further destruction and suffering, and called for a ceasefire and renewed efforts toward a two-state solution.
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.
"This action will do nothing to bring an end to this conflict or to help secure the release of the hostages. It will only bring more bloodshed." "The Israeli Government's decision to further escalate its offensive in Gaza is wrong, and we urge it to reconsider immediately," Starmer said.
China expressed "serious concerns" and urged it to "immediately cease its dangerous actions".
"Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory," the foreign ministry told news agency AFP in a message.
"The correct way to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to secure the release of hostages is an immediate ceasefire," they added.
"A complete resolution to the Gaza conflict hinges on a ceasefire; only then can a path to de-escalation be paved and regional security ensured," the spokesperson said.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said, "The Israeli government's plan for a complete military takeover of the occupied Gaza Strip must be immediately halted."
"It runs contrary to the ruling of the International Court of Justice that Israel must bring its occupation to an end as soon as possible, to the realisation of the agreed two-state solution and to the right of Palestinians to self-determination," he added.
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.
The ministry said Israel must immediately halt its war plans, agree a ceasefire in Gaza, and start negotiations for a two-state solution, saying each step by Israel's government to continue what Turkey called Israel's genocide and occupation of Palestinian lands dealt a heavy blow to global security.
