Geneva (TDI): The United Nations’ top human rights official has called on Israel to abandon its plan for a full military takeover of the Gaza Strip, warning it violates international law and undermines prospects for peace.
“The Israeli Government’s plan for a complete military takeover of the occupied Gaza Strip must be immediately halted,” UN human rights chief Volker Türk said on Friday. “It runs contrary to the International Court of Justice’s ruling that Israel must bring its occupation to an end as soon as possible, to the agreed two-state solution, and to the Palestinian right to self-determination.”
His comments came after Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged Israel “not to go down this path,” warning it would deepen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Wong said permanent forced displacement breaches international law and repeated calls for a ceasefire, the unimpeded delivery of aid, and the return of hostages seized by Hamas in October 2023.
“A two-state solution is the only pathway to secure an enduring peace,  a Palestinian state and the State of Israel living side-by-side in peace and security within internationally recognized borders,” Wong said.
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UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also criticized the move, describing it as “wrong” and urging the Israeli government to reconsider. “This action will do nothing to end the conflict or secure the release of hostages. It will only bring more bloodshed,” he said.
While Australia has yet to join allies such as the UK, Canada, and France in formally recognizing a Palestinian state, it has sharpened its criticism of Israel’s military actions. Wong’s remarks followed an interview in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News that Israel planned to assume control over all of Gaza before eventually handing it to unspecified Arab forces.
Read More:Â Israeli Media Reports Suggest Netanyahu Plans to Fully Occupy Gaza Strip
After a security cabinet meeting on Friday, Netanyahu’s office confirmed that the plan to take Gaza City had been approved. The statement said the Israeli Defense Forces would prepare to assume control of the city while providing humanitarian aid to civilians outside active combat zones.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry also condemned the move, accusing Netanyahu’s government of pursuing “genocide” and expanding its occupation, and warning that such actions pose a serious threat to global peace and security.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
