Israel's Plan to Occupy Gaza City (2025)

The occupation plan for Gaza is a comprehensive military and political operation formally approved by Israel in August 2025. The plan, referred to by Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz as "Gideon’s War Chariots 2", envisions the complete occupation of the city of Gaza, located in the northern part of the Gaza Strip and home to approximately one million civilians.

The objective of the plan is for the Israeli military to seize military and administrative control of the city, followed by its transfer to a third-party actor outside the control of Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. Within this framework, the operation includes forced evacuations, large-scale military destruction, and the displacement of a significant portion of the population. International reports have emphasized that the implementation of this occupation would result in severe humanitarian losses and mass forced displacement for the civilian population.

The plan was developed under the leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and approved by the Security Cabinet and the General Staff. Netanyahu has stated that the plan encompasses not only the city of Gaza but the entire Gaza Strip.

Preparation and Decision Process

Approval by the Security Cabinet

The plan to occupy the city of Gaza was adopted during a meeting of the Israeli Security Cabinet on 7 August 2025 and formally approved on 8 August 2025. This decision has been recorded not merely as a military operation preparation but as a population transfer plan aimed at altering Gaza’s demographic and administrative structure.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, in statements to the Israeli public and international media, emphasized that his objectives extended beyond capturing the city of Gaza and required the full occupation of the entire Gaza Strip. Netanyahu made this clear in an interview with Fox News prior to the Security Cabinet meeting.

Netanyahu stated that after the occupation, the area would not remain under the control of Hamas or the Palestinian Authority but would be transferred to "other Arab powers."

Approval by the General Staff

On 13 August 2025, it was announced that Israeli Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir approved the "overall framework" of the attack plan for the occupation of Gaza, as decided by the Security Cabinet. An official military statement indicated that on the same date, Zamir met with senior military command and Shin Bet intelligence officials to review the main outlines of the Gaza occupation plan.

During the meeting, new attacks launched in the Zeitoun neighborhood in the southeast of Gaza City were also discussed alongside previous Israeli operations. The statement noted: "The overall framework of the plan for the next stages in the Gaza Strip was presented and approved in accordance with the directives of the political echelon."

However, according to information reported in the Israeli media, Chief of General Staff Zamir initially opposed the occupation plan. He reportedly engaged in heated debates with several ministers during the Security Cabinet meeting on 7 August 2025. The military plan was later approved in line with the political decision taken several days later.

Netanyahu’s Meeting with the Defense Minister and Chief of General Staff

On 18 August, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu met with Defense Minister Yisrael Katz and Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir at the Reim Military Base to discuss the Gaza occupation plan. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that the meeting focused on military preparations for implementing the occupation. On the same days, it was reported that Hamas had accepted a ceasefire proposal offered by intermediary countries Qatar and Egypt. In response, Netanyahu claimed that Hamas was under "intense pressure" in Gaza.

Netanyahu’s Directive and Defense Minister Katz’s Approval

On 20 August, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced that Netanyahu had ordered the military to complete the occupation of Gaza City faster than originally planned. Netanyahu emphasized that the occupation must be accelerated to ensure the "defeat" of Hamas.

On the same day, Defense Minister Yisrael Katz approved the plan for the occupation of Gaza City presented to him by Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir. According to the Israeli press, the plan approved by Katz was submitted to Netanyahu. The occupation operations have been named “Gideon’s War Chariots 2”.

According to information in the Israeli media, the military has received orders to occupy the remainder of Gaza, but this step is not expected to be implemented before September. The first phase of the plan anticipates the forced displacement of approximately one million Palestinians to the south, the blockade of the city, and its occupation following intense attacks. The second phase aims to occupy the largely destroyed refugee camps in the center of Gaza.

Stages of the Military Operation

The plan for the occupation of Gaza City, approved by Israeli Chief of General Staff Eyal Zamir, is built around four main stages. The plan aims to bring the entire Gaza City under full military control through complete blockade, forced evacuations, systematic destruction, and a phased occupation process.

Stage 1: Blockade and Forced Evacuation

The first stage involves the complete encirclement of Gaza City and the forced displacement of approximately one million residents toward the south. The Israeli military plans to establish control lines around the city using tanks and armored units. During this phase, infrastructure is expected to be destroyed through intense bombardment and the city’s connections to the outside world are to be severed.

In addition, temporary collection centers are to be established in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. These centers will include tents, field clinics, water supply points, and food aid. It has been stated that these collection centers will be used during the forced migration of civilians.

Stage 2: Systematic Destruction and Military Advance

The second stage entails bringing the city under military pressure and systematically destroying it. The Israeli military plans to enter the city center using artillery fire, aerial strikes, and ground operations. During this phase, neighborhoods are expected to be largely evacuated and infrastructure rendered inoperable through intense firepower to facilitate urban combat operations.

Stage 3: Occupation of Refugee Camps

The third stage involves the occupation of refugee camps located in the city center. In particular, camps such as Shati, Jabalia, and other densely populated areas are targeted. It has been stated that the Israeli military aims to take control of these camps in the city center to eliminate centers of resistance.

Stage 4: Expansion into Central Areas and Full Control

The fourth stage involves extending the occupation toward the central areas of the Gaza Strip. During this phase, operations are planned to be launched against refugee camps such as Al-Bureij and Nuseirat, as well as surrounding settlements, concurrently with the occupation of the city. This step aims to bring the entire area from northern Gaza to the center under military control.

Military Preparations and Reserve Call-Ups

In preparation for implementing the occupation plan, the Israeli military has begun extensive military preparations. This includes both the reorganization of existing forces and large-scale call-ups of reserve personnel.

The Israeli military has announced that 60,000 reserve soldiers will be called to duty under the occupation plan. In addition, the service terms of 20,000 soldiers will be extended. The active manpower of the military has been increased, with a total of approximately 130,000 reserve soldiers planned to be deployed. Furthermore, nearly 100,000 additional reserves are to be kept on standby.

To prepare for the occupation plan, the Israeli military has withdrawn the majority of its existing units from the Gaza Strip. Approximately two-thirds of the units previously stationed in the region have been withdrawn from the front lines for rest and retraining. Only five brigades are reported to remain in the area. Tanks, armored vehicles, and heavy artillery units have been deployed to northern Gaza and its surroundings.

Forced Displacement of Civilians

The occupation plan for Gaza City includes the forced displacement of civilians. Under this plan, approximately one million civilians in Gaza are to be directed toward southern regions. Movement of civilians toward the south has been made mandatory through the establishment of military control lines around the city.

International reports have stated that the forced displacement of civilians constitutes mass population transfer and represents serious violations under international law.

Relationship to Ceasefire and Negotiations

On 18 August 2025, Hamas accepted a 60-day ceasefire proposal presented by Qatar and Egypt. The statement indicated that Hamas, along with other Palestinian groups, had agreed to the proposal. Under the terms of the proposal, Hamas will release 10 hostages and 18 bodies, while Israel will release approximately 200 Palestinian detainees.

Despite Hamas’s acceptance of the ceasefire proposal, the Israeli government announced its decision to continue with the occupation plan for Gaza City. In a public statement, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would continue the occupation of Gaza even if it accepted a ceasefire with Hamas. It has also been reported that Netanyahu instructed the military to complete the occupation faster than originally planned.

National and International Reactions to Israel’s Plan to Occupy Gaza City

United Nations (UN) Reactions

UN Secretary-General António Guterres

UN Secretary-General António Guterres described Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza City as “deeply concerning.” He stated that this decision would deepen the crisis for millions of Palestinians and further endanger the lives of hostages. In his statement, he warned that this step would lead to more forced displacements, loss of life, and widespread destruction. Guterres emphasized the urgent need for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, called for unhindered access for humanitarian aid, and demanded the unconditional release of all hostages. He also referenced the International Court of Justice’s advisory ruling of 19 July 2024, reminding Israel of its obligation to end its occupation and settlement activities.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca

UN Deputy Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca, speaking at the UN Security Council, said Israel’s occupation decision represented a “dangerous escalation” that could ignite a new catastrophe. He explained that the plan envisaged the evacuation of approximately 800,000 civilians by 7 October and the imposition of a three-month siege on the region. He noted that media reports indicated camps would be targeted. Jenca warned that the decision would have “catastrophic consequences” for millions of Palestinians, leading to increased forced displacements, deaths, and destruction. He stressed the UN’s clear position, declaring that “Gaza is an inseparable part of the State of Palestine” and calling for a two-state solution.

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) – Ramesh Rajasingham

UN OCHA representative Ramesh Rajasingham, participating via video conference in the UN Security Council meeting, described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “beyond horrific.” He expressed grave concern over the escalating humanitarian losses due to the prolongation of Israel’s attacks. He highlighted a sharp rise in deaths from severe malnutrition among children, stating, “This is no longer an impending famine—it is outright starvation.” Rajasingham reported that the few remaining aid routes were collapsing due to ongoing hostilities and forced displacement. He also condemned the ongoing settler violence and destruction in the West Bank as “unprecedented.”

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated that Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza must be halted immediately. He emphasized that the plan contradicts the International Court of Justice’s ruling that Israel must end its occupation without delay. He warned that the plan would lead to further mass forced displacements, deaths, and destruction. Türk stressed the immediate need to end the war in Gaza and called on Israel to allow unhindered humanitarian access to ensure peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. He also demanded the unconditional release of all Palestinian detainees held arbitrarily by Israel and all hostages held by Hamas.

France’s Reactions

President Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron characterized Israel’s decision to occupy Gaza as “the declaration of an unprecedented catastrophe.” He said that the Israeli cabinet’s announcement of its plan to occupy Gaza City and the Al-Mevasi camps marks a new phase in the protracted war. In an interview, he emphasized that civilians in Gaza and the hostages held by Hamas remain the primary victims of this strategy. Macron proposed the establishment of an international coalition under UN authority as the only viable solution to stabilize Gaza, support its population, and implement a peace administration. He also announced that France would work with its partners to bring the issue before the UN Security Council.

France’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Jay Dharmadhikari

France’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Jay Dharmadhikari stated that France “strongly condemned” Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza City. He explained that Israel aims to establish full military control over Gaza, which would lead to dramatic humanitarian consequences in the Gaza Strip. He called on the Israeli government to withdraw the decision and demanded an immediate and lasting ceasefire. France emphasized that Gaza’s future must lie within a Palestinian state governed by the Palestinian Authority.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, in a social media post, “strongly condemned” Israel’s plan for the full occupation of Gaza. He stated that such an operation would further deteriorate an already “catastrophic” humanitarian situation. The official statement from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscored that Israel’s plan to expand its military operations in Gaza constitutes a “serious violation of international law.” It further noted that this plan would not enhance Israel’s security, including regarding hostages held by Hamas, and explicitly rejected forced displacement and occupation efforts.

Russia’s Reaction

UN Deputy Permanent Representative Dmitry Polyansky

Russia’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Dmitry Polyansky described Israel’s plan to occupy all of Gaza as a “very bad and misguided step.” He condemned such activities and emphasized that the plan violates UN resolutions. He reiterated that the only viable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a two-state solution.

In another speech at the UN Security Council, Polyansky stated that Israel’s decision to occupy Gaza is a clear violation of international law. He warned that it would severely damage the prospects of a two-state solution and deepen the regional crisis. He called on Israel to comply with UN Security Council resolutions. He also asserted that Israel’s use of starvation as a weapon against Palestinians constitutes a war crime and a crime against humanity, describing Israel’s food distribution methods as “inhuman.”

Polyansky recalled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement that Gaza would not be handed over to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, noting that this stance contradicts international legal principles that recognize the right of the Palestinian people to govern themselves.

Türkiye’s Reactions

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

On 12 August 2025, following a Cabinet meeting, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan declared that Türkiye has mobilized all its diplomatic resources to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He stated that the state has activated all its capacities and diplomatic potential to be a beacon of hope for Gaza. He emphasized that Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and “the network of massacres” would not be allowed to drag the region into greater catastrophes to extend their political lives. Erdoğan labeled Israel a “terror state” and affirmed that Türkiye has delivered the clearest response to the “brutality, barbarism, massacre, torture, and oppression” inflicted on Palestinians.

Erdoğan announced that Türkiye has summoned an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation foreign ministers to halt the atrocities in Gaza and ensure uninterrupted humanitarian aid delivery to the starving population. He also confirmed that he conveyed Türkiye’s firm stance to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas during a phone call over the weekend.

The President noted that civil society organizations, foundations, and associations have not abandoned the people of Gaza and that this solidarity has been embraced by broad segments of the public. He highlighted the support shown by young people during the Turkish Youth Foundation’s Summer Schools Final, attended by 50,000 youth, and during the march from Beyazıt to Hagia Sophia, stressing Türkiye’s solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Statement

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye “strongly condemned” Israel’s decision to expand its military operations in Gaza. The statement described the decision as “a new phase in Israel’s expansionist and genocidal policy.” It asserted that the Netanyahu government is continuing its genocide against Palestinians, inflicting a severe blow to international peace and security, increasing regional instability, and deepening the humanitarian crisis. Türkiye called on Israel to immediately halt its war plans, accept a ceasefire in Gaza, and begin negotiations based on the two-state solution. It also urged the UN Security Council to adopt binding decisions to prevent Israel’s violations of international law.

TBMM Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş

TBMM Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş, in a social media post, described Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza as a “dark step.” He stated that this plan amounts to a violation of international law and the degradation of humanity. Kurtulmuş affirmed that his institution rejects the plan in the strongest terms and called upon international institutions and public opinion to stand with Gaza against Israel’s occupation.

Deputy President Cevdet Yılmaz

Deputy President Cevdet Yılmaz, in a social media statement, said Israel has entered a new phase of its occupation and genocide policy. He emphasized that this step is directed not against any resistance group but directly against the Palestinian people. He stated that condemning innocent civilians and children to starvation and bombardment is indefensible. He accused the Israeli administration of trampling international law, avoiding ceasefire efforts, and destroying the two-state solution. Yılmaz noted that rising global reactions are encouraging and called on the international community to act without delay.

Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran

Presidential Communications Director Burhanettin Duran stated that Türkiye “strongly condemns” Israel’s occupation decision. He warned that it will deepen human rights violations and the humanitarian crisis. He emphasized that Israel’s plans target all of humanity and peace itself, and declared that the actions in Gaza constitute an open genocide. He called on the international community to confront these steps with resolve.

AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik

AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik labeled Israel’s decision to occupy Gaza as a “cursed decision.” He stated that this decision is a threat to humanity and called on the entire world to unite as one moral front against the occupation.

AK Party Deputy Chairperson Efkan Ala

AK Party Deputy Chairperson Efkan Ala, in a social media statement, said Israel’s occupation plan represents a new and dangerous stage in its expansionist and systematic violence policy. He affirmed that the decision continues grave crimes against the Palestinian people and directly threatens international peace and stability. He emphasized that Israel’s attacks disregard the right to life of civilians and clearly violate international law. Ala called on international mechanisms to take immediate steps to halt Israel’s unlawful actions.

United Kingdom’s Reactions

Prime Minister Keir Starmer

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a written statement in response to the Israeli Security Cabinet’s decision to occupy Gaza City. He declared the decision “wrong” and called on the Israeli government to reverse it immediately. He stated that such steps do not contribute to ending the conflict or securing the release of hostages but instead lead to more bloodshed. Starmer noted that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening, hostages are held under horrific conditions, and what is needed is a ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, the unconditional release of all hostages, and a negotiated solution. He also asserted that Hamas must have no role in Gaza’s future and must be disarmed and withdrawn from the region.

UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN James Kariuki

UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN James Kariuki, speaking at the UN Security Council, said Israel’s decision to expand its military operations in Gaza brings no benefit and only worsens the humanitarian crisis. He recalled that children in Gaza are dying of starvation and hundreds of civilians have lost their lives trying to access basic food. Describing the situation as “inhumane treatment,” Kariuki called on Israel to urgently and permanently lift all restrictions blocking humanitarian aid from entering Gaza.

Germany’s Reactions

Chancellor Friedrich Merz

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, in his statement on Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza, acknowledged Israel’s right to self-defense against Hamas but emphasized that decisive negotiations for the release of hostages and a ceasefire are Germany’s top priority. He reiterated that Hamas must be disarmed and must play no role in Gaza’s future.

Merz stated that the Israeli cabinet’s decision to intensify military actions in Gaza makes it increasingly difficult for Germany to understand how these objectives can be achieved. Consequently, Germany announced it would not permit the export of military equipment to Israel for use in Gaza until a second official announcement is made.

The German government also expressed deep concern over the ongoing suffering of civilians in Gaza. It stated that following the planned attack, the Israeli government bears greater responsibility for meeting the population’s needs. Germany called on Israel to provide comprehensive access for humanitarian supplies, including those from UN agencies and other civil society organizations.

European Union (EU) Reactions

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Israel’s decision to expand its military operations in Gaza must be reconsidered. In a social media post, she emphasized the necessity of releasing hostages and ensuring unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza. She also highlighted the importance of achieving an immediate ceasefire in the region.

European Council President Antonio Costa

European Council President Antonio Costa stated that Israel’s decision to occupy Gaza City has consequences for EU-Israel relations. He emphasized that the decision not only violates previous agreements with the EU but also breaches fundamental principles of international law and universal values. Costa called on the Israeli government to reverse its decision.

Other European Countries

Joint Statement (Australia, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, United Kingdom)

The foreign ministers of Australia, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom issued a joint written statement strongly rejecting Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza City. They stated that the decision risks violating international humanitarian law, further deteriorates the humanitarian situation, endangers the lives of Israeli hostages, and could lead to mass forced displacement of civilians. They also emphasized the urgent need for an immediate and lasting ceasefire amid famine conditions in Gaza.

Austria

Austria rejected Israel’s decision to expand its military operations in Gaza. Austrian officials stated that the priority must be alleviating the humanitarian situation and securing the release of remaining hostages. The statement affirmed that any unilateral change to Gaza’s territorial or demographic status violates international law.

Spain

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares stated that his government “strongly condemned” Israel’s decision to intensify its occupation of Gaza. He warned that the decision would cause further destruction and suffering and stressed the need for a lasting ceasefire, large-scale humanitarian aid, and the unconditional release of all hostages. Spain affirmed that lasting peace in the region can only be achieved through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Sweden

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard criticized Israel’s decision to escalate its attacks in Gaza. She emphasized that any attempt to annex Gaza or reduce its territory violates international law. She noted that Israel’s decision runs counter to the urgent need for a ceasefire.

Switzerland

The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over Israel’s decision to expand its military activities in Gaza. It stated that the decision risks further worsening an already catastrophic humanitarian situation and called for an immediate ceasefire.

Netherlands

Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as “catastrophic” and labeled Israel’s decision to intensify its operations as a wrong step. He stated that the decision neither improves the humanitarian situation nor contributes to the release of hostages. The Netherlands emphasized that what is urgently needed is a ceasefire, increased humanitarian aid, and a negotiated solution.

Slovenia

Slovenian Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon stated that her country “strongly condemned” Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza. She warned that such initiatives would further deteriorate already unbearable humanitarian conditions and called for an immediate ceasefire.

Belgium

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot summoned the Israeli ambassador to Brussels after Israel announced its plan to fully occupy Gaza. Prevot stated that the decision violates international law and criticized Israel’s actions as land seizures in Palestinian territories. He warned that erasing Palestine from the map is unacceptable and constitutes a violation of international law.

Finland

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening and that the threat of famine is imminent. She called for an immediate ceasefire and the urgent release of all hostages.

Denmark

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen stated that Israel’s decision to intensify its military operations in Gaza is wrong and must be reversed immediately.

United States’ Position

U.S. Department of State

U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the United States is closely monitoring Israel’s plans regarding Gaza. He did not issue a direct condemnation, instead focusing only on the potential impact of the decision on the humanitarian situation in the region.

The U.S. position was also evident at the UN Security Council, where four permanent members (France, the United Kingdom, Russia, and China) opposed Israel’s occupation decision, while the United States did not align with this stance.

Reactions from the Arab and Islamic World

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Statement

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned Israel’s decision to occupy Gaza, stating that it constitutes a serious violation of international law. The OIC emphasized that this step would lead to the forced displacement of civilians in Gaza and the alteration of the region’s demographic structure. It called on the international community to fulfill its responsibility to halt Israel’s decision.

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit’s Statement

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit described Israel’s occupation decision as a “dangerous and irresponsible development.” He stated that it is an open attack on the will of Arab peoples and international legitimacy. He further asserted that Israel’s policies of land seizure are the greatest obstacle to peace in the region.

Arab Parliament Statement

The Arab Parliament, in a written statement, rejected Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza City. It stated that the decision constitutes a “war crime” and violates international law. The statement affirmed that Arab countries will continue to support the Palestinian people.

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Qasim Muhammad Al-Budaiwi’s Statement

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Qasim Muhammad Al-Budaiwi condemned Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza. He described the decision as a threat to regional peace and security and called on the international community to take urgent measures to prevent this step.

Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs assessed Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza as a “dangerous development.” The Riyadh administration stated that the move violates international law and further endangers civilian lives.

Qatar

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Israel’s occupation decision, calling it “illegal.” Qatar called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, unhindered humanitarian access to the region, and the protection of the rights of the Palestinian people.

Jordan

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi defined Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza as a serious violation of international law and demanded its immediate withdrawal. He emphasized that the decision destroys hopes for peace in the region.

Egypt

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel’s decision to expand its military operations in Gaza. The statement noted that the decision threatens regional stability and further aggravates the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Algeria

The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel’s occupation decision and affirmed its solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Kuwait

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it considers Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza a violation of international law and called on the international community to act against this decision.

Iraq

The Iraqi government opposed Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza, stating that it represents the continuation of crimes against the Palestinian people.

Iran

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel’s decision to expand its military operations in Gaza. The statement described the move as “a new phase in the crimes committed against the Palestinian people.”

Pakistan

The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza City, stating that it violates international law and must be immediately reversed.

Indonesia

The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that it “strongly condemned” Israel’s decision to expand its military operations in Gaza. Indonesia stated that this step increases the humanitarian crisis targeting civilians and undermines peace efforts in the region.

Reactions from Palestinian Organizations

Palestinian Authority

The Palestinian Authority described Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza as a “dangerous escalation.” It stated that the decision aims to forcibly displace the Palestinian population and alter the demographic structure of the region. It further asserted that the plan constitutes a clear violation of international law and the continuation of Israel’s crimes.

Hamas

Hamas responded with strong opposition to Israel’s decision to fully occupy Gaza. In its statement, it declared the plan “doomed to failure” and accused Israel of embarking on a “new adventure.” Hamas affirmed that resistance in Gaza will continue and that Israel will not achieve its objective.

Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)

The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) stated that Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza violates international law. It emphasized that this step completely disregards the rights of the Palestinian people and weakens the possibility of regional peace.

Islamic Jihad Movement

The Islamic Jihad Movement announced its rejection of Israel’s occupation decision. It stated that the decision will lead to further violence and destruction in Gaza.

Reactions from International Civil Society Organizations

Amnesty International

International human rights organization Amnesty International responded to Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza. The organization stated that the decision will further worsen already severe humanitarian conditions and constitutes a clear violation of international obligations to protect civilians. Amnesty highlighted that Israel’s move will lead to the mass forced displacement of civilians and called on the international community to oppose the plan and defend the rights of the Palestinian people.

Reactions from Within Israel

Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert criticized the Israeli Security Cabinet’s decision to occupy Gaza City. He warned that the plan would bring severe consequences for Israel, particularly by worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and increasing international pressure against the country.

Former Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot

Former Israeli Chief of Staff and current member of the war cabinet Gadi Eisenkot stated that occupying all of Gaza would be a “strategic mistake.” He explained that such a decision would not enhance Israel’s security but would instead leave the country in an even more difficult position in the long term.