UN Secretary-General António Guterres voiced grave concern over Israel’s decision to occupy Gaza, describing the move as a dangerous escalation that could deepen the already dire humanitarian crisis facing millions of Palestinians. Various countries and international organizations also condemned the Israeli decision.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Guterres warned that the decision threatens to intensify suffering, increase civilian casualties, and exacerbate forced displacement and destruction across the territory. The statement underscored that Gaza’s population continues to endure a humanitarian catastrophe of immense scale.
Guterres reiterated his urgent appeal for a lasting ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access throughout Gaza, and the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages and detainees.
In his statement on X social medial platform Guterres said: “I’m gravely alarmed by the decision of the Israeli Government ‘to take control of Gaza City’. This marks a dangerous escalation & risks deepening the already catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians. It could further endanger more lives, including the remaining hostages. I reiterate my urgent appeal for a permanent ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access across Gaza & the immediate & unconditional release of all hostages.”
He also called on Israel to uphold its obligations under international law, referencing the July 19, 2024, advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice.
The ruling affirmed that Israel must cease all new settlement activity, evacuate settlers from occupied Palestinian land, and end its unlawful presence in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem without delay.
The statement concluded by stressing that a durable solution to the conflict hinges on ending the occupation and achieving a viable two-state outcome. “Gaza has always been—and must remain, an integral part of a future Palestinian state,” it affirmed.
Furthermore, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights condemned Israel’s decision regarding Gaza, stating that it directly violates the ruling issued by the International Court of Justice, which calls for an end to the occupation of the territory.
The Commissioner urged the Israeli government to immediately halt its plan for full military control over Gaza, warning that such actions constitute a breach of international law and risk exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Meanwhile, European Council President António Costa called on the Israeli government to urgently reconsider its decision to take control of Gaza, cautioning that such a move would intensify the humanitarian disaster and erode foundational international standards.
In a statement shared Friday on X, Costa condemned the operation, citing its connection to ongoing illegal settlement expansion in the West Bank, the widespread devastation in Gaza, the obstruction of humanitarian aid, and the worsening famine.
He noted that these developments not only breach the EU agreement outlined by the High Representative on July 19 but also undermine the principles of international law and shared global values.
Costa warned that Israel’s decision would carry consequences for its relationship with the European Union, which the Council intends to review.
He described the situation in Gaza as deeply tragic and stressed that further escalation would only aggravate the suffering.
Reaffirming the EU’s stance, Costa underscored that a two-state solution remains the sole sustainable path toward lasting peace and security in the region.
In addition, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong has called on Israel to refrain from imposing military control over the Gaza Strip, warning that such a move would further deepen the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the territory.
She emphasized that forced displacement constitutes a violation of international law, and urged all parties to cease hostilities, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, and secure the release of hostages.
Wong reaffirmed Australia’s position that a two-state solution remains the only viable path toward a lasting and just peace in the region.
Scotland and China have both condemned Israel’s decision, warning that such actions will intensify the conflict and worsen the humanitarian crisis.
Scottish First Minister stated that Israel’s decision to take over Gaza City escalates the violence and deepens Palestinian suffering, declaring the decision unacceptable. He called on the international community to intervene, halt Israeli aggression, and ensure a ceasefire is enforced.
France also issued a statement opposing the Israeli decision, stating that the Israeli public is increasingly opposed to the continuation of the war and is calling for the return of the hostages.
It added that the conditions in Gaza are dire and risk becoming even more catastrophic, and announced its intention to take necessary measures to prevent Israel from advancing its plans, firmly rejecting any form of military occupation of the Gaza Strip.
Furthermore, The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued a sharp denunciation of Israel’s declared intent to occupy Gaza, urging both the global community and the UN Security Council to act swiftly to block the execution of the plan.
In its statement, Ankara demanded an immediate end to Israel’s military campaign, the establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza, and the initiation of negotiations grounded in the two-state framework.
The ministry emphasized that Israel’s continued pursuit of genocidal policies and territorial expansion in Palestine poses a serious threat to international peace and stability.
Moreover, Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated Friday that Israel’s decision constitutes a blatant defiance of international consensus and a clear violation of UN resolutions and international law. He warned that this dangerous escalation undermines all efforts aimed at achieving a just and comprehensive peace.
In a statement reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Albudaiwi condemned the aggressive approach taken by Israeli forces, saying it further destabilizes the region and fuels violence and unrest. He urged the international community to intensify its efforts and take urgent, effective measures to pressure Israeli forces to halt their systematic violations and ensure international protection for the Palestinian people.
Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and its full solidarity with the Palestinian people in their legitimate struggle to reclaim their inalienable rights; chief among them the establishment of an independent state along the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.
On the ground, the ongoing genocide has resulted in at least 61,330 Palestinian deaths and more than 152,369 injuries, primarily among children, women, and the elderly. Over 9,000 individuals remain missing, many trapped beneath the rubble in various parts of the enclave.
Hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Widespread famine continues to claim lives, including dozens of children. The humanitarian catastrophe deepens by the day.
