Israel’s Security Cabinet has approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to expand military operations and seize control of Gaza City, home to nearly half of the enclave’s population.
The decision, taken after 22 months of intense bombardment, comes despite fierce opposition from families of hostages still held by Hamas and other militant groups, who warn it will endanger their loved ones, reports dw.com
Army chief Eyal Zamir reportedly opposed the move, warning it could put hostages and soldiers at greater risk.
The Hostage Relatives Forum called the decision a “death sentence” and an “official declaration of abandonment” of captives, with an estimated 50 hostages — around 20 believed alive — still in Gaza.
Demonstrators took to the streets of Tel Aviv demanding a hostage deal and an end to the war. Hamas has also warned that the takeover would amount to “sacrificing” the hostages, accusing Netanyahu of not caring about their fate.
International backlash has been swift. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the plan as a “dangerous escalation” that risks worsening Gaza’s humanitarian catastrophe.
The UN Security Council will hold an unusual Saturday meeting to discuss the development.
European Council President Antonio Costa said the move “must have consequences” for Israel’s ties with the EU, while European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen urged it be “reconsidered” and reiterated calls for a cease-fire and humanitarian access.
Germany announced it will suspend arms exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza “until further notice,” a decision Chancellor Friedrich Merz called a “necessary consequence” of Israel’s move.
The change drew criticism from Netanyahu, who accused Berlin of “rewarding Hamas terrorism,” and from the Central Council of Jews in Germany, which warned it could endanger Israel’s existence.
German Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan backed the suspension, calling annexation or displacement in Gaza “unacceptable.”
The UK, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urged Israel to reverse its decision, warning it would “only bring more bloodshed.”
Britain has signaled it will recognize a Palestinian state unless Israel takes steps to end the crisis.
France and Canada have voiced similar positions. US Vice President JD Vance, meeting UK officials in England, said Washington and London share goals in the region but differ on approach, reiterating that the US will not recognize Palestinian statehood without a functional government.
Several Arab and Muslim-majority states joined in condemnation. Saudi Arabia accused Israel of “starvation, brutal practices and ethnic cleansing,” Egypt warned the plan would “eliminate all elements of life” for Palestinians and entrench occupation, and Pakistan called it a “dangerous escalation” that would derail peace efforts.
Egypt reiterated its refusal to accept displaced Palestinians and urged a push for reconstruction.
More European nations, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and Denmark, rejected the Gaza City takeover, warning it would worsen the humanitarian disaster and obstruct hostage negotiations.
Belgium summoned Israel’s ambassador, while the Netherlands and Denmark both called for the decision’s reversal.
Prominent Israelis, from artists to retired generals, are also increasingly speaking out against prolonging the war, with rallies growing across the country.
The move threatens to deepen Israel’s diplomatic isolation, with critics at home and abroad arguing it violates international law, breaches EU agreements, and risks inflaming an already dire humanitarian situation.
As the UN prepares for emergency talks, pressure mounts on Israel to change course and prioritize a negotiated solution that addresses both security concerns and the worsening plight of Gaza’s civilians.
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