Tehran – The Israeli Cabinet’s approval to expand genocide in the Gaza Strip by invading and occupying Gaza city faces global rage and condemnation.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the move, calling it a “dangerous escalation” that risks “developing already devastating consequences for millions of Palestinians.”
His spokesperson said the decision “will lead to additional forced evacuations, killings and massive destruction that exacerbates the unimaginable suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.”
Guterres also posted a statement on social media, saying, “We are seriously wary of the Israeli government’s decision to ‘take control of Gaza’. This risks dangerous escalation and deepens the already devastating consequences for millions of Palestinians. Immediate and unconditional releases of all hostages. ”
“The Israeli government’s plans for a complete military acquisition of the occupied Gaza Strip must be stopped soon,” said Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
He added: “In contrast to the International Court of Justice’s ruling that Israel must end its occupation as soon as possible, the two agreed state solutions and self-determination must be realized on the right hand side of the Palestinians.”
China also expressed “serious concern” about the plan and called on the Israeli government to “suspend dangerous actions immediately.”
“Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory,” a spokesman for the Foreign Ministry told AFP.
“The right way to alleviate Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and ensure the release of hostages is an immediate ceasefire. The full resolution of the Gaza conflict lies in a ceasefire. The path to emissions could then be paved and the security of the region could be ensured,” he added.
“We are willing to work with the international community to end the battle in Gaza as soon as possible,” Beijing said.
Council of Europe President Antonio Costa said the Israeli decision “must have consequences on EU-Israel relations.”
“This will be evaluated by the council,” he added, urging the Israeli government to reconsider.
“The decision not only violates the agreement with the EU, announced by the High Representative on July 19, but also undermines the fundamental principles of international law and universal values,” Costa said.
Scotland’s first minister, John Swinney, called the decision “complete and totally unacceptable” and said it would “create even more human suffering for the Palestinians and escalate the conflict further.”
“The international community must stop Israel and secure a ceasefire,” he posted on social media.
Jeremy Corbyn, a former British Labour leader who is now an independent member of Parliament, said the UK is “complained with the genocide.”
“If the government is truly terrifying by Israel’s occupation of Gaza, they will stop supplying the weapons they need to do so,” Corbyn said.
“The Prime Minister can condemn all of Israel’s plans. He cannot hide the truth. His government is complicit in genocide,” he added.
French Foreign Minister Jean Noel Barott wrote on social media: “France strongly condemns the Israeli government’s plan aimed at preparing for a full occupation of Gaza. Such an operation would exacerbate an already devastating situation without allowing Hamas hostages, their disarming or surrender to be released.”
The French Foreign Ministry has also issued a statement denounced Israel’s actions “on the most powerful terms.”
“These actions constitute further serious violations of international law and lead to an absolute deadlock. By undermining the legal aspirations of the Palestinians, they live peacefully in a viable, sovereign, neighbouring state and pose a threat to regional stability,” the statement said.
Former Belgian Minister Maxim said the Israeli ambassador was summoned to express Belgium’s “complete disapproval of this decision.”
He said, “After the Israeli government has since encircled and occupied Gaza city and officially confirmed its intention to take control of the entire Gaza Strip, I have decided to summon the Israeli ambassador.”
The chief diplomat added, “Not only is the complete disapproval of this decision, but also the reopening of the E1 project, particularly in the east side of Jerusalem – and the recent desire to annex the West Bank, will fully reconcile and, conversely, honour the possibility of internationally reconciliation of all of these actions, the Court of Justice.”
Spain also condemned the decision. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Alvarez told AFP: “I firmly denounce the Israeli government’s decision to escalate the military occupation of Gaza. It only causes more destruction and suffering.”
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry has issued a statement vehemently denounced Israel’s attempts to control Gaza.
The kingdom accused them of “convicting hunger, brutal practices and ethnic cleansing crimes against their brothers Palestinians.”
Turkey urged the international community to intervene, calling Israel’s plan a “heavy blow” of peace and security.
“We call on the international community to fulfill our responsibility to prevent the implementation of this decision, which aims to forcefully replace Palestinians from their land,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said.
The UN Security Council has rescheduled an emergency meeting on Israel’s plans on Sunday, after which it was originally set on Saturday.
Among the signs of increasing isolation on the world stage of the Israeli regime, even some of the most solid allies in the Western world have distanced themselves from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.