In brief
Israel's recent security cabinet approval of a five-point plan to control Gaza City has intensified international outrage.
Israel has strongly dismissed international condemnation following the security cabinet's approval of a controversial plan to take control of Gaza City. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office highlighted the plan's intent to "defeat Hamas" and conclude the ongoing war. Defence Minister Israel Katz boldly stated that countries threatening sanctions against Israel "will not weaken our resolve," projecting a united front against perceived enemies.The plan, which has drawn backlash from several nations including the UK, France, and Canada, outlines five core objectives: the disarmament of Hamas, the return of hostages, the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, the establishment of security control over the area, and the formation of a new civil administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority. Reports from Israeli media suggest the strategy initially focuses on gaining complete control over Gaza City and relocating its one million residents to the south, alongside seizing refugee camps and areas believed to harbor hostages.Opposition within Israel is growing, particularly from military officials and families of hostages still held in Gaza. Hamas condemned the occupation strategy as a "new war crime" that could carry severe consequences for Israel. UN human rights chief Volker Turk cautioned that such moves would lead to more destruction and suffering. Prominent international leaders, including UK's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Australia's Foreign Minister Penny Wong, have also condemned the plan, urging Israel to reconsider its military escalation.Meanwhile, Turkey’s foreign ministry called for global action to halt the Israeli plan, which they described as an effort to forcibly displace Palestinians. China's foreign ministry echoed this sentiment, asserting that Gaza is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory. In stark contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that Israel should determine its approach to the situation.As tensions escalate, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) currently control around 75% of Gaza, with the majority of its 2.1 million residents in areas under Israeli military oversight or evacuation orders. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens daily, with NGOs and health organizations reporting alarming rates of malnutrition and dire living conditions. The roots of the conflict can be traced back to the Hamas attack on October 7, which sparked widespread military responses from Israel, resulting in a catastrophic toll on both sides.
