Several European countries have jointly condemned Israel’s plan to take over Gaza City as part of the ongoing offensive against Hamas launched after the October 7, 2023, terrorist attacks, expressing concerns about the potential humanitarian and political consequences.
After Israel’s security cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan for the army to take military control of Gaza City, protests arose from predictable parts of Europe.
“The Israeli government’s decision to further extend its military operation in Gaza must be reconsidered,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X.
In further critical comments from Germany, Friedrich Merz called on Israel “not to take any further steps toward annexing the West Bank.” In addition, Germany on Friday announced the suspension of exports to Israel of military equipment that could be used in the Strip until further notice.
Israel’s plan to intensify operations in Gaza is “a wrong move,” the Dutch foreign minister said on Friday. “The Dutch government has always been clear: Gaza belongs to the Palestinians,” he added.
Belgium also joined the choir of condemnation of Netanyahu’s plan by announcing it has summoned the Israeli ambassador. In a statement, the Belgian foreign ministry said it wanted to “express total disapproval of this decision.”
Spain, unsurprisingly, also denounced Israel’s plans. “We firmly condemn the decision of the Israeli government to escalate the military takeover of Gaza. It will only cause more destruction and suffering,” Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said.
Around 20 Arab and Muslim countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, on Saturday also condemned Israel’s plan to seize Gaza City as a “dangerous escalation” and a “flagrant violation of international law” aimed at cementing an illegal occupation.
In a statement Friday, Netanyahu emphasised that Israel does not intend to rule Gaza, but to “establish a security perimeter and hand over administration to Arab forces that will not threaten us and will provide a decent life for their inhabitants. That is not possible with Hamas.”
