The decision of the Israeli security cabinet to extend its military campaign to gain control of Gaza City has drawn international condemnation and has led to protests both domestically and internationally.
The United Nations (UN) and major international stakeholders have strongly opposed the plan, pointing to the humanitarian situation and the safety of remaining hostages. In an emergency session of the UN Security Council, officials cautioned that the military takeover would usher in a new calamity in the Gaza Strip. The decision has also been condemned by some of Israel’s allies, such as the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.
Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner of Human Rights, demanded that the plan be stopped immediately and that any escalation would lead to further massive, forced displacement, killing, unbearable suffering, senseless destruction, and atrocity crimes.
The permanent representative of the State of Palestine in the UN, Ambassador Dr. Riyad Mansour, told the UNSC to verify the validity of Israel’s claims, “Why don’t you, the Security Council, take with you 100 journalists from your countries and other countries to verify exactly what is happening in Gaza?”
PM Netanyahu’s address before the UNSC Meeting
Before the UNSC emergency meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the media in a news conference.
“Contrary to false claims, this is the best way to end the war and the best way to end it speedily,” he said, defending the plan of the Israeli security cabinet’s plan of seizing control of Gaza City and displacing the population.
He further said that around 75% of Gaza is already under Israeli military control and said that Gaza City and the central areas of the territory would be cleared of civilians. He said people will be able to “safely leave the combat areas to designated safe zones”, adding that they will be given “ample food, water, and medical care.”
It remains unclear how 2 million people in Gaza would be moved to safe areas, and where those safe areas would be. He remarked that “Our goal is not to occupy Gaza,” the prime minister said. “Our goal is to free Gaza, free it from Hamas terrorists.”
Pakistan’s response at the UNSC Meeting
The representative of Pakistan at the UN, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, in a statement at the UNSC, said that Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif called the Israeli cabinet’s decision to take over Gaza City “a dangerous escalation in an already catastrophic war against the people of Palestine.”
He further said that “the latest Israeli move aims to erase Palestinian presence, and contrary to what some claim and expect, this action will extinguish prospects for peace and undermine all regional and international efforts to peacefully resolve this conflict.”
Ambassador Asim called the UNSC to act urgently and call for “an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire, release of hostages, and exchange of Palestinian prisoners.”
Growing International Momentum for Palestinian Statehood
Amid the military intensification, a parallel diplomatic push for Palestinian statehood is gaining momentum. Recently, on Monday, Australian PM Anthony Albanese declared that Australia would recognize the Palestinian state in September at the UN General Assembly. He said, “Until Israeli and Palestinian statehood is permanent, peace can only be temporary.”
This comes after similar statements by France, the UK, and Canada. Many people see the move as an attempt to put diplomatic pressure on and further the possibility of lasting peace. As of today, 147 of 193 UN member states recognise a state of Palestine. France, Britain, Canada, Australia, and Malta plan to bestow recognition in September.
Israel and the US have condemned the countries’ recognition of a Palestinian state, claiming it would strengthen Hamas. “Promoting the idea of a Palestinian state at this time would be a reward for terrorism and would only encourage Hamas and its supporters, who will view this as a victory,” Netanyahu remarked.
