Global Leaders Demand Ceasefire as Israel Intensifies Gaza Offensive

World leaders have condemned Israel’s latest military actions in Gaza, urging for an immediate ceasefire as the country escalates its ground offensive. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israeli troops have been instructed to swiftly capture Gaza City, which is home to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, many of whom are already displaced due to ongoing bombardments across the region.

Israeli military spokesperson Effie Defrin stated on Wednesday that troops have secured the outskirts of Gaza City, identifying it as a stronghold for Hamas. The Israeli government plans to mobilize approximately 60,000 reservists for this operation, which has drawn significant international criticism.

Global Reactions and Calls for Restraint

In reaction to the new offensive, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern in a social media post, urging Israel to “avoid the massive death and destruction that a military operation against Gaza would inevitably cause.” Since hostilities reignited following a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people in Israel, more than 60,000 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives. International aid organizations continue to warn of escalating starvation and disease in the region.

French President Emmanuel Macron echoed these sentiments, cautioning that the assault on Gaza City could plunge the entire region into “a cycle of permanent war.” He advocated for the deployment of an international peacekeeping force to help stabilize the situation.

Similarly, Belgium’s foreign ministry urged the Israeli government to reconsider its military strategy, referring to the operation as “Gideon Chariots II.” They warned that escalating the siege of Gaza City would lead to more death, destruction, and mass displacement of civilians.

Settlement Expansion and Ongoing Negotiations

In addition to military actions, Israel’s recent approval to expand settlements in the West Bank has also sparked condemnation. A government committee approved a proposal to construct about 3,000 homes on a 12 square kilometer area of Palestinian land near Jerusalem. This plan, which had been stalled for nearly two decades due to concerns over its implications for a viable Palestinian state, faced immediate backlash. Guterres labeled this decision as one that “must be reversed,” while British Foreign Secretary David Lammy described it as “a flagrant breach of international law.”

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a potential ceasefire, as well as the release of Israeli hostages taken during the October 7 attack, are ongoing. Earlier this week, Hamas indicated acceptance of a truce proposal facilitated by Egypt and Qatar, which Israel is currently reviewing.

As the situation develops, international leaders continue to call for restraint and seek pathways towards a sustainable peace agreement in the region.