LONDON, AUG 08 (DNA) —The United Nations and key global leaders have called on Israel to immediately halt its proposed plan to occupy Gaza City, warning that the move could further deepen the humanitarian crisis and undermine prospects for peace in the region. “A complete military takeover of the occupied Gaza Strip must be immediately halted,” Volker Turk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, demanded, after the Israeli security cabinet approved a plan for a full-scale Israeli military takeover in the battered enclave.
The development runs contrary to international law, Turk continued, referring to a ruling of the International Court of Justice that Israel must end its occupation and achieve a two-State solution giving Palestinians the right to self-determination. Any further escalation of the conflict between Hamas and Israel that has devastated Gaza and killed tens of thousands “will result in more massive forced displacement, more killing, more unbearable suffering, senseless destruction and atrocity crimes”, the UN rights chief said.
In a short statement, Turk insisted that rather than intensifying the conflict, “the Israeli Government should put all its efforts into saving the lives of Gaza’s civilians by allowing the full, unfettered flow of humanitarian aid”. At the same time, all hostages must be immediately and unconditionally released by Palestinian groups, he continued, adding that Palestinians arbitrarily detained by Israel must also also be released.
“The war in Gaza must end now. And Israelis and Palestinians must be allowed to live side by side in peace,” the High Commissioner said. Tensions escalated after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his government’s intention to assume full military control over Gaza, sparking sharp criticism from several quarters, including within Israel’s own military leadership.
Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has reportedly voiced strong opposition to the occupation plan, citing the grave risks involved. According to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, Zamir warned that a full-scale military occupation could jeopardize the lives of nearly 20 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza. He has instead proposed a strategy of increased encirclement of the Strip without mobilising additional reserve forces. The growing internal dissent reflects mounting pressure on the Netanyahu government as international condemnation intensifies.
Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong issued a strongly worded statement on Friday, urging Israel to reconsider its course of action. “Australia calls on Israel to not go down this path, which will only worsen the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza,” Wong said. She stressed that permanent forced displacement would constitute a violation of international law, and reiterated Canberra’s call for an immediate ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and the safe return of hostages taken by Hamas in October 2023.
Wong also reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to a two-state solution, saying, “A Palestinian state and the State of Israel, living side-by-side in peace and security within internationally-recognised borders, is the only viable path to lasting peace.” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed similar concerns, calling Israel’s move “wrong” and urging the government to immediately reverse course. “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 said in a statement.
The calls for restraint come as Gaza continues to face dire humanitarian conditions, with aid groups warning of widespread food and medical shortages, collapsed infrastructure, and a growing displacement crisis. The United Nations has not yet issued a formal resolution but is expected to deliberate on the matter in the coming days. A senior UN official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the proposed occupation could “set a dangerous precedent and ignite further instability in the region.”
Despite the backlash, Netanyahu has stood firm on the military course, insisting it is necessary to eliminate Hamas and secure Israel’s long-term safety. However, critics argue that such a strategy risks creating a prolonged occupation, fueling further resistance, and derailing diplomatic efforts.
As the crisis deepens, pressure is mounting for a political solution rooted in international law, diplomacy, and dialogue — rather than continued military escalation.— DNA
