Israel faces backlash over Gaza City occupation plan

Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan to take control of Gaza City, a move expanding military operations in the shattered Palestinian territory that drew strong fresh criticism at home and abroad on Friday over its pursuit of the almost two-year-old war.

Germany, a key European ally, announced it would halt exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza. The UN chief termed the move a “dangerous escalation”.

However, US President Donald Trump’s ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, said some countries appeared to be putting pressure on Israel rather than on the militant group Hamas, whose deadly attack on Israel in 2023 ignited the war.

In Israel, families of hostages held by militants in Gaza, and opposition leaders blasted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a decision that they said would put hostages’ lives at risk.

Far-right allies in Netanyahu’s coalition have been pushing for a total takeover of Gaza as part of his vow to eradicate Hamas militants, though the military has warned this could endanger the lives of remaining hostages held by militants.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the decision to send Israeli forces into Gaza City a disaster, saying it defied the advice of military and security officials.

He accused far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich of dragging Netanyahu into a prolonged campaign that would result in the deaths of hostages and soldiers.

The military has said that it controls around 75% of Gaza. Amir Avivi, a retired Israeli brigadier general, estimated that if the military did take Gaza City, it would give Israel control of about 85% of the strip.

In recent weeks, Britain, Canada and France said they could recognise a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly next month. A full occupation would reverse a 2005 decision in which Israel withdrew thousands of Jewish settlers. The UN Security Council will meet on Saturday to discuss the situation.

Israel’s conditions to end war

• Disarmament of Hamas
• Return of all 50 remaining hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive
• Demilitarisation of the strip
• Israeli military control over the strip
• Establishment of an alternative civilian government that is not Hamas or the Palestinian Authority