Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Gaza’s planned military takeover in the face of international condemnation and rage, and UN officials warned on Sunday that the move would lead to “another disaster” for the hungry, hungry Enclave.
In a rare press conference with international media, Netanyahu said the controversial operation to take over what was once the biggest city in Gaza is the fastest way to end the war, facing incredible internal and international opposition.
“Contrary to false claims, this is the best way to end the war and the best way to get it to end quickly,” he said. “This is how we end the war.”
Earlier on Friday morning, Israeli security ministers approved a plan to capture Gaza, claiming that the goal was to destroy Hamas and save hostages held at the fork. However, the move has exacerbated the already tragic humanitarian crisis, causing fear that further battles would only put prisoners at risk.
Israel faced denunciations at the United Nations on Sunday, with Britain, Russia, China and France expressing their strong opposition to Netanyahu’s military program in Gaza, which constitutes “a further violation of international law.”
“If these plans are implemented, they will cause another disaster in Gaza, echoing across the region, causing more forced displacement, killing and destruction, further exacerbating the unbearable suffering of the population.”
Ramesh Rajasingham, head of the UN office of Geneva’s Humanitarian Coordination (OCHA), said what is unfolding in Gaza is “no longer an impending hunger crisis – this is hunger, pure and simple.”
Rajasingham said hunger-related deaths are on the rise in enclaves, especially among children who are severely malnourished. Since October 2023, 98 children have died of severe acute malnutrition. On July 1 alone, 37 people spoke to the Security Council, citing Gaza health authorities.
“We’ve been frankly running out of words,” said Rajasingham, the humanitarian conditions “are beyond horrifying.”
The US is increasingly separate from its Israeli allies
The expansion of Israeli military operations is “a path to bloodshed, not a path to resolution,” the UK said. Russia has condemned Israel’s plan to put Gaza under security forces’ control as “a dangerous measure that undermines the already vulnerable prospect of a peaceful reconciliation against the Middle East conflict.”
Denmark, South Korea, Greece, Slovenia and Guyana have voiced the chorus of opposition and have called for Israel to reverse course.
“After 22 months of forced evacuation, hunger and ethnic cleansing, such an operation would not simply ruin Gaza, but destroy the rest of it,” Algeria said.
In order to defend Israel’s actions in Gaza, the United States, increasingly isolated at the global stage, said it was “uncontinuous efforts” to release hostages and end the war. U.S. ambassador to UN Dorothy Shea has denounced members of the Security Council of “actively extending the war by spreading lies about Israel” and “to hand over the victory of propaganda to terrorists.”
“The simple truth is that if Hamas lets all of Gaza free, this war could end today,” Siah said, adding that the genocide accusations against Israel are “politically motivated and resolutely false.”
Israel faces global condemnation for its actions in Gaza, and protests in major cities are increasing as people show fear and anger over territorial starvation.
Last week, tens of thousands marched across the Sydney Harbour Bridge to protest Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. And London police arrested 466 people on Saturday in protest of the UK government’s decision to ban Palestinian action group under the Counter Terrorism Act.
Within Israel itself, the families of Israeli hostages are detained in Gaza.
Netanyahu The plan also brings it closer to Gaza, which is fully occupying Israel, and has not been in nearly 20 years. Israeli forces already control about 75% of Gaza after almost two years of war.
Analysts argue that the plan launched and promoted by Netanyahu himself almost certainly reveals his domestic political manipulation than evidence of well-thought-out military strategy. According to analysts, the plan gives Netanyahu time to fight for his political survival.
Netanyahu described the besieged enclave Gaza city and the central camp as “two remaining bases” in Hamas.
“Given Hamas refused to put his arms on, Israel has no choice but to finish his job and complete Hamas’ defeat,” he said.
In response, extremist groups on Sunday said the only way to ensure “survival” of Israeli hostages is to halt military campaigns in Gaza and reach a peace deal.
“Netanyahu continues to invade and manipulate the issue of (the Israeli hostages) as an excuse to mislead public opinion,” Hamas said in a statement.
“The only way to ensure their survival is to stop the aggression and reach an agreement rather than continue bombing or blockade.”
Also on Sunday, Netanyahu again argued that there is no hunger crisis in Gaza despite reports of opposition from international organisations, including the United Nations.
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) said on social media that the number of cases of malnutrition among children in Gaza is “surprising.” According to UNICEF, “the highest number ever recorded,” nearly 12,000 children were identified as acute malnutrition in July alone.
Netanyahu blamed Hamas for food shortages and said the group of looting aids “deliberately created a shortage of supplies.”
When asked about President Donald Trump two weeks ago in Gaza, saying there was “real hunger,” Israeli leaders said they were grateful for Trump’s support.
Netanyahu and Trump spoke about plans for the war in Gaza on Sunday, according to a short read from the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.
“The two discussed Israeli plans to control the remaining Hamas hubs in Gaza, in order to end the war with the release of hostages and Hamas defeat,” readout said.
“The Prime Minister thanked President Trump for his continued support of Israel since the start of the war.” That continued.
CNN reached out to the White House for comment.
