After the Israeli government openly announced its intention to gain full control over the city of Gaza, many countries around the world expressed deep concern that this decision could further escalate the conflict. In particular, according to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, such a path will neither put an end to the armed confrontation nor ease the fate of the hostages held by Hamas. He stressed that this could only lead to more bloodshed, an increase in casualties, and an escalation of the situation.
On Friday, August 8, in a statement from London, Starmer urged the Israeli leadership to reconsider its plan. He particularly noted that the humanitarian crisis in the region is worsening day by day, and the life-threatening risks for the population are increasing. “It is necessary to achieve an immediate ceasefire, to increase humanitarian aid, and Hamas must release all hostages. The conflict can only be resolved through negotiations,” he said.
At the same time, the British Prime Minister emphasized that Hamas cannot play any political or administrative role in the future of the Gaza Strip. He appealed to both sides to abandon the “path of destruction” and to seek a peaceful solution.
Meanwhile, the German government also clearly expressed its position — Berlin has stopped supplying weapons that could be used in the Gaza Strip. German officials are seriously concerned about the growing suffering of the civilian population. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed that if a new military offensive begins, Israel will bear great responsibility for the supply and safety of the coastal population. He also said that all conditions must be created for the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid through the UN and other international organizations.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, also sharply criticized the decision of the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He called for the plan to be “immediately” reviewed and stressed that it contradicts the ruling of the International Court of Justice. According to the court's decision, Israel must stop the occupation as soon as possible.
Türk also added that this move contradicts efforts to resolve the Middle East conflict based on a two-state solution and to ensure the Palestinians’ right to self-determination.
On the morning of August 8, Israel’s National Security Council approved a plan to “defeat” Hamas and establish control over the city of Gaza. This decision was made at a night meeting, despite international calls to stop the war and domestic protests in Israel. Protests are largely linked to concerns over the fate of hostages held by Hamas.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an interview with the American TV channel Fox News, said that Israel intends to take control of the entire Gaza Strip. At present, the Israeli army controls three-quarters of the enclave’s territory. The government’s decision was also strongly criticized by the domestic opposition.
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