**Israel Defies International Criticism, Approves Plan to Take Control of Gaza City**
In a move that has sparked widespread condemnation from world leaders, Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to take control of Gaza City. The decision was made despite criticism from the United Nations, several countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, and Germany, which has halted military exports to Israel.
Defence Minister Israel Katz said that countries who condemned Israel and threatened sanctions would “not weaken [our] resolve”. He added that “our enemies will see us as a united, strong fist that will strike with great force”.
The plan approved by the Israeli security cabinet outlines five principles to end the war in Gaza: disarming Hamas; returning all hostages; demilitarizing the Gaza Strip; taking security control of territory; and establishing an “alternative civil administration that is neither Hamas or the Palestinian Authority”.
**Criticism Mounts from Around the World**
The decision has been met with strong criticism from world leaders. The UN, several countries, including the UK, France, and Canada, have condemned the move. Germany has also halted military exports to Israel.
Foreign ministers from the UK and Germany, as well as New Zealand, Australia, and Italy, released a statement rejecting the plan. They said it would “aggravate” the “catastrophic situation” in Gaza.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk warned that further escalation will “result more massive forced displacements, more killings, more unbearable pain, senseless destruction, and atrocity crime”.
**Families of Hostages Warn of Danger**
The families of hostages believed to have survived in Gaza have warned Israel that their lives are in danger. They stated that the decision would lead to “a colossal disaster for both our hostages and soldiers”.
**Background and Context**
Gaza has been devastated by war, with UN-backed experts claiming that it is on the verge of famine in most areas. Israel has imposed heavy restrictions on what can enter the territory, claiming that this is to weaken Hamas.
Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO), said that July was the worst for acute malnutrition cases in Gaza. Nearly 12,000 children under five years old were affected.
Hamas launched an attack on Israel in October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza. Israel responded with a massive offensive that has killed at least 61,158 Palestinians according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
**Conclusion**
The Israeli decision to take control of Gaza City has sparked widespread criticism from around the world. World leaders have condemned the move, warning of further suffering for civilians and potential disaster for hostages held in Gaza. The situation on the ground remains dire, with Gaza on the verge of famine and acute malnutrition cases affecting nearly 12,000 children under five years old.
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