Netanyahu Defends Gaza City Takeover Plan Amid Global Condemnation
The UN warned that the situation in Gaza has already reached the stage of “starvation, pure and simple,” with hunger-related deaths, especially among children, rising sharply. Since October 2023, 98 children have died from severe acute malnutrition, 37 of them since July alone, according to Gaza health authorities.
Netanyahu Defends Gaza City Takeover Plan Amid Global Condemnation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended his controversial plan to take over Gaza City, despite growing international criticism and warnings from the United Nations that the move could trigger a new humanitarian catastrophe in the war-torn enclave.
In the early hours of Friday, Israel’s security cabinet approved the operation, saying its goals are to destroy Hamas and rescue hostages being held in Gaza. Netanyahu insisted that this is “the fastest way to end the war,” dismissing accusations that it will worsen the crisis.
However, critics say the plan will put hostages at greater risk and exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation.
The UN warned that the situation in Gaza has already reached the stage of “starvation, pure and simple,” with hunger-related deaths, especially among children, rising sharply. Since October 2023, 98 children have died from severe acute malnutrition, 37 of them since July alone, according to Gaza health authorities.
The UK, Russia, China, France, Denmark, South Korea, Greece, Slovenia, Guyana, and others have voiced strong opposition, warning the plan will cause more bloodshed and destruction. Russia called it a “dangerous step” that undermines chances for peace in the Middle East.
The United States remains largely isolated in its support for Israel, arguing that the war could end immediately if Hamas released the hostages. US Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea accused other Security Council members of “spreading lies about Israel” and giving “propaganda victories to terrorists.”
Protests are spreading globally. Tens of thousands marched across Sydney Harbour Bridge to condemn Israel’s actions, while in London police arrested 466 people during a protest against the UK government’s ban on the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action under anti-terror laws.
Inside Israel, families of hostages are calling for a nationwide general strike next Sunday to pressure the government.
If Gaza City falls, Israel would be closer to fully occupying the territory for the first time in nearly two decades. Israeli forces already control about 75% of Gaza after almost two years of war.
