Israel Defends Gaza City Occupation Amidst Global Backlash

Israel's security cabinet has approved a controversial plan for the takeover of Gaza City with the objective of defeating Hamas, sparking criticism from global leaders and humanitarian organizations concerned about potential further displacement and conflict.

Israel's government is facing strong backlash from international leaders after adopting a contentious plan to take control of Gaza City as part of its ongoing military campaign against Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office emphasized that the new five-point strategy is intended to "defeat Hamas" and "conclude the war." The Defense Minister, Israel Katz, responded to the criticism from various nations, asserting that sanctions would not diminish Israel's resolve and reaffirming a united front against perceived threats.

The plan, approved by Israel’s security cabinet, encompasses five key principles aimed at bringing an end to hostilities: disarming Hamas, securing the return of hostages, demilitarizing Gaza, establishing security control in the area, and instituting a civil administration that does not involve either Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. Reports indicate that the initial phase of the plan would focus on Gaza City, where approximately one million residents would be relocated further south, while military forces would also aim to gain control of central refugee camps and locations suspected of hosting captives.

The escalation has been met with fierce domestic opposition, particularly from military officials and families of hostages in Gaza who express concerns over the grave implications of the plan. In contrast, international responses have largely criticized Israel's actions, with the UN expressing fears of widespread displacement and humanitarian crises. Global leaders including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong warned that such an occupation would lead to increased violence and worsening humanitarian conditions for the Gazan population.

Turkey and China also condemned Israel’s intentions, with Turkey urging the international community to intervene to protect Palestinian rights. The US has taken a more reserved stance; President Joe Biden recently indicated it was largely up to Israel to decide their next steps.

The heavy humanitarian toll of the conflict continues to mount, with the war, which commenced following a deadly Hamas attack on Israel in early October, having resulted in substantial Palestinian casualties and a humanitarian disaster in Gaza. Currently, the United Nations reports that the majority of Gaza’s population faces critical deprivation with famine fears escalating. The international community remains watchful as tensions continue to rise.