August 16, 2025 | 05:14 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The humanitarian crisis and starvation in Gaza have become increasingly worrisome. Eight European countries on Sunday strongly condemned Israel's plan to fully control Gaza City.
European leaders also vehemently rejected any efforts to change the demographics and territories that could exacerbate the conditions there.
"We strongly condemn the recent announcement by the Government of Israel of the intensification of the occupation and the military offensive, including in Gaza city," said a joint statement by the Foreign Ministers of Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain quoted from Anadolu.
"This decision will only deepen the humanitarian crisis and further endanger the remaining hostages’ lives," the statement read.
Crisis Situation and Starvation in Gaza: Mounting Criticism Against Israel
The Israeli Cabinet on the previous Friday morning approved the occupation plan proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, despite widespread rejection. Foreign ministers highlighted that the plan could potentially cause a large number of casualties and forcibly displace nearly 1 million Palestinian civilians.
"We firmly reject any demographic or territorial changes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory," the Foreign Ministers stated in a joint statement. They also added that Israel's actions are considered a serious violation of international law and humanitarian principles.
The ministers also warned that a more intensive military attack and occupation of the city of Gaza would be a major impediment to achieving a two-state solution. They emphasized that Gaza must be an integral part of the State of Palestine, along with the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Recognition of the existence of Palestine and Israel is considered the best guarantee of security for both parties and key to regional stability as a whole.
In their statement, the ministers once again called for an immediate ceasefire and permanent cessation of hostilities. They also urged the immediate release of all hostages currently held by Hamas and the swift, unimpeded, and large-scale delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Criticism from European Countries, the European Union, and the UN
Strong rejection also came from the European Union and the United Nations (UN) against Israel's plan to take over the city of Gaza. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his concern about Israel's decision and stressed that Gaza must remain an integral part of the State of Palestine, as reported by China Daily.
UN Secretary-General's Spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay revealed that Israel's decision marks a dangerous escalation and risks exacerbating the already dire consequences for millions of Palestinians. "(They) could further endanger more lives, including of the remaining hostages," Stephanie's statement quoted from China Daily.
President of the European Council Antonio Costa said on Friday, through his X social media account, urging Israel to revoke the decision. He warned that the move could damage the EU's relationship with Israel, which will be evaluated by the Council. He called on Israel to reconsider because the takeover of Gaza, expansion of settlements in the West Bank, extensive damage in Gaza, aid blockade, and widespread hunger violate international law and humanitarian values.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Israel's decision will not end the conflict or expedite the release of hostages. Instead, he called for increased humanitarian aid and renewed efforts for a two-state solution.
Meanwhile, France strongly condemned the plan for full military occupation of Gaza. The French government vehemently rejected the occupation or forced displacement, as it can violate international law, trigger political deadlock, and threaten regional stability without enhancing Israel's security.
Several other EU countries such as Lithuania, Sweden, Austria, Portugal, and Slovenia also issued strong responses. Lithuania emphasized that the situation in Gaza will deteriorate and sought coordinated efforts with EU members. Sweden stressed that any attempt to annex Gaza violates international law. Austria expressed concerns about the fate of hostages and civilians, Portugal urged the postponement of the plan while pushing for the release of hostages and emergency assistance, and Slovenia condemned the actions and called for a permanent ceasefire.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed concerns about the worsening humanitarian conditions. He emphasized that Israel has a great responsibility to meet the needs of the people in Gaza, including fully opening access for aid from the UN and non-governmental organizations. As a concrete step, Germany halted the export of military equipment that could be used in Gaza. Meanwhile, Italy sent 100 tons of humanitarian aid to Jordan, which will be airdropped into Gaza.
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