Global Reactions to Israel’s Plan to Seize Control of Gaza city

Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1533 EAT on Friday 8 August 2025

Israel’s security cabinet has approved a military plan to seize control of Gaza City, the largest urban center in the enclave, prompting a wave of international condemnation. World leaders have warned that the move could deepen the humanitarian crisis already unfolding in the war-torn territory.

The announcement came on Friday, just one day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel intends to take full military control of the entire Gaza Strip.

Israel’s plan to expand its military assault on Gaza is expected to further devastate the besieged enclave, intensifying an already dire humanitarian crisis and triggering a new wave of mass displacement amid widespread hunger.

The move, which includes a full military takeover of Gaza City, has drawn sharp international criticism, with warnings that it could violate international law and derail hopes for a two-state solution.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk condemned the Israeli government’s plan in a statement issued Friday, calling for an immediate end to the offensive.

“The Israeli Government’s plan for a complete military takeover of the occupied Gaza Strip must be immediately halted,” Türk said.

He argued that the strategy stands in direct violation of international legal obligations and recent rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“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 realization of the agreed two-State solution, and to the right of Palestinians to self-determination,” he added.

The Israeli government announced the expanded offensive just a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the military’s intent to take control of the entire Gaza Strip.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned Israel’s decision to escalate its military operations in Gaza, calling the move “wrong” and urging the Israeli government to reconsider its actions immediately.

“The Israeli government’s decision to further escalate its offensive in Gaza is wrong, and we urge it to reconsider immediately,” Starmer said in a statement.

The Prime Minister warned that increased military action would only worsen the conflict and hinder efforts to secure the release of hostages.

“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,” he added.

Starmer’s remarks add to a growing wave of international criticism over Israel’s expanded offensive, which has raised alarm over worsening humanitarian conditions in the besieged enclave.

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