Israel's Gaza Takeover Ignites International Outcry

On August 8, 2025, UN Secretary-General António Guterres labeled Israel’s decision to take military control of Gaza City a “dangerous escalation,” warning of catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians and heightened risks to remaining hostages. The move, approved by Israel’s security cabinet, aims to expand its nearly two-year offensive in Gaza, prompting widespread international condemnation and fears of worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.

Guterres, through spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay, highlighted the potential for increased forced displacement, killings, and destruction, compounding the “unimaginable suffering” of Gaza’s population. He urged Israel to comply with the International Court of Justice’s July 2024 advisory opinion, which declared Israel’s presence in Palestinian territories, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, unlawful and called for its immediate end. Guterres reiterated demands for a permanent ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian aid, and the unconditional release of all hostages, emphasizing that Gaza must remain part of a Palestinian state for a sustainable two-state solution.

The Palestinian response was swift and resolute. Ambassador Riyad Mansour called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting, scheduled for Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET, to address what he described as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “crazy, irresponsible, dangerous, vicious plan” to control Gaza City, home to roughly 1 million Palestinians. Mansour stressed the need for collective action to halt this escalation and prioritize peace over continued suffering.

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An EU report underscored the dire humanitarian situation, revealing that despite an agreement with Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to increase aid, only 36 trucks per day have entered Gaza since May 19, 2025, with 90% of supplies looted due to operational and bureaucratic constraints. Israel’s refusal to allow an EU monitoring team into Gaza further complicates aid delivery, exacerbating hunger and malnutrition, particularly among children with special needs. Nearly 1,000 trucks carrying food, medical supplies, and essentials remain stalled in Jordan, unable to enter.

Global leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, condemned the plan, with Germany halting military exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza. Hamas warned that the takeover risks “sacrificing” hostages, while Israeli critics, including families of hostages, fear the move could jeopardize their safety. As Gaza faces a severe heatwave and damaged infrastructure, the international community braces for further escalation in a conflict that has already claimed over 61,000 Palestinian lives since October 2023.

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