UN and International Community Call for Immediate Halt to Israel's Gaza Takeover Plan

The United Nations (UN) and several nations, including China and Turkey, have urged Israel to immediately halt its plan to occupy the Gaza Strip. The call comes following the Israeli government's proposed complete military takeover of Gaza, a move that has sparked international outcry and condemnation.

Background and Context

According to a plan approved on Thursday night, the Israeli army is preparing to take control of Gaza City, while simultaneously distributing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones. As reported by Le Monde, the project also includes disarming Hamas and establishing Israeli security control in the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli government's plan is in direct contradiction to the ruling of the International Court of Justice, which requires Israel to end its occupation as soon as possible. This is in accordance with the realization of the two-state solution and the right of Palestinians to self-determination, as highlighted by UN human rights chief, Volker Turk.

Key Developments

Speaking at an open meeting of the UN Security Council on the Palestine-Israel issue, China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Geng Shuang, called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Echoing this sentiment, Turkey's foreign ministry strongly condemned Israel's Gaza City plan, urging the international community and the UN Security Council to prevent the plan's implementation. Turkey also called for an immediate ceasefire and the initiation of negotiations for a two-state solution.

The United Nations Security Council is set to meet on Saturday to discuss Israel's plans to take control of Gaza City, as reported by The Times of Israel.

Implications and Reactions

The Palestinian ambassador to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour, emphasized the duty of the international community to act against Israel's military takeover of Gaza. He stated that only international pressure can stop the full military takeover and end the war.

Meanwhile, an alleged humanitarian aid initiative backed by the United States and Israel, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has drawn sharp criticism from UN human rights experts. They argue that the program disguises military and political objectives beneath a false veneer of relief, as reported by the Tehran Times.

Current Status

As of now, the Israeli government's plan for a complete military takeover of the Gaza Strip remains in place despite international condemnation. The UN and several countries continue to call for immediate action to halt the occupation, highlighting the urgent need for a peaceful two-state solution and the preservation of Palestinians’ right to self-determination.