Global Criticism Mounts Over Israel’s Gaza City Takeover/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Israel’s decision to seize control of Gaza City has drawn sharp condemnation from multiple nations and sparked warnings of worsening humanitarian catastrophe. Health officials report new deaths from malnutrition and aid-related shootings amid food shortages and heat. Hostage families are urging nationwide strikes to pressure the Israeli government.
Israel Gaza Offensive Quick Looks
- Decision: Israel to take over Gaza City amid 22-month war.
- Condemnation: Over 20 countries, including U.S. allies, oppose the move.
- Humanitarian impact: 11 killed seeking aid, 11 more died from malnutrition.
- Hostages: 50 remain captive; families fear for 20 believed alive.
- Global response: Germany halts some arms exports to Israel; UN meeting set.
- Aid issues: Airdrops continue but criticized as unsafe and insufficient.
- Heat crisis: Families in tents endure 90°F+ temperatures with scarce water.
- Ceasefire talks: Qatar and Egypt push new framework for hostage release and withdrawal.
Israel’s Gaza City Takeover Sparks Worldwide Condemnation
Deep Look
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — International condemnation intensified Saturday over Israel’s plan to seize Gaza City, a move critics warn could escalate an already dire humanitarian disaster in the war-torn enclave.
The announcement, part of Israel’s broader military campaign against Hamas, came as Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 11 Palestinians killed while seeking aid and another 11 adults dead from malnutrition-related causes in just 24 hours. Aid groups and foreign governments are urging Israel to allow significantly more food, water, and supplies into the besieged territory.
Hostage Families Sound Alarm
The hostage crisis remains central to domestic tensions in Israel. Families of the 50 remaining captives, including 20 believed alive, rallied again Saturday.
“The living will be murdered and the fallen will be lost forever,” warned Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is held in Gaza. She called for a general strike, urging, “Shut the country down.”
The families’ appeal comes as mediators in Qatar and Egypt push a new ceasefire plan that would exchange all hostages — dead and alive — for a complete Israeli military withdrawal. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff met Qatar’s prime minister in Spain to discuss the proposal.
Global Opposition
‘Nine countries, including Germany, Britain, France, and Canada, jointly rejected Israel’s military expansion, calling it a violation of international law and a threat to hostages. More than 20 other nations, including regional powers Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UAE, labeled it a “dangerous and unacceptable escalation.”
The United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting Sunday. Germany has already halted approvals for arms exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza. Russia warned the move would further inflame the “already extremely dramatic situation.”
Deadly Aid Distribution
Reports from Nasser and Awda hospitals indicate that some of those killed were waiting for or approaching Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid trucks. Witnesses claimed Israeli troops fired at crowds in the Netzarim corridor, though the Israeli military denies this and says it was unaware of such incidents.
In central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah, people rushed to collect supplies from international aid airdrops, some calling the process humiliating.
“This way is not for humans, it is for animals,” said Mahmoud Hawila, who said he was stabbed while trying to grab a package.
On Saturday, Italy and Greece joined the multinational airdrop effort, delivering over 100 packages. Aid groups maintain that ground deliveries are far more efficient and safer.
Escalating Hunger and Heat
Since June, Gaza health officials have recorded 114 malnutrition-related adult deaths and 98 child deaths since the war began. These figures are separate from the ministry’s overall war death toll of 61,300, which Israel disputes but does not replace with its own numbers.
With daily highs topping 90°F (32°C), displaced families endure severe heat with limited shelter or water.
“My children cry day and night. My son scratches his body because of the heat,” said Nida Abu Hamad, sheltering in Gaza City.
International Pressure Builds
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan accused Israel of creating conditions “to force Palestinians into near-starvation so they abandon their land voluntarily.”
The criticism underscores the growing divide between Israel and even some of its former partners as the humanitarian toll rises.
The coming days could determine whether Israel proceeds with its Gaza City takeover or faces increased diplomatic and domestic pressure to reconsider.
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