World Leaders Condemn Israel's Plan to 'Conquer' Gaza

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The world condemns Israel's plan to permanently expand its occupation in Gaza on Monday.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his concerns over the report, warning of more Palestinian civilian deaths and further damage.

"I can tell you that the secretary-general is alarmed by these reports of Israeli plans to expand ground operations and prolong its military presence in Gaza," his spokesperson Farhan Haq said in a press conference as quoted by Anadolu.

Emphasizing that Israel's reported plan "will inevitably lead to countless more civilians killed and the further destruction of Gaza," he added, "What's imperative now is an end to the violence, not more civilian deaths and destruction."

"Gaza is, and must remain, an integral part of a future Palestinian state," he said, reaffirming Guterres' call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages.

Meanwhile, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen expressed deep concern over Israel's plan to expand its military operation in Gaza, urging an immediate return to a ceasefire.

"Deeply concerned about Israeli plans to expand its military operation in Gaza. I once again urge all parties to return to a ceasefire, and Hamas to immediately release the remaining hostages," Valtonen said on X as quoted by Anadolu.

She also stressed the need for humanitarian access, and urged Israel to ensure that aid can reach the civilian population in the blockaded area.

"Israel must ensure unimpeded access of humanitarian aid to Gaza," she added.

As for Germany, Israel's strongest ally in Europe, conveyed great concern over Israel's plan to permanently occupy Gaza.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sebastian Fischer told reporters in Berlin that media reports about "Israel's conquering of northern Gaza, are very worrisome."

"Gaza belongs to the Palestinians, and in this sense, we would reject a permanent occupation,” he added.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, that Paris "very strongly condemns" Israel's new military campaign in the Gaza Strip.

"It is unacceptable," said Jean-Noel Barrot in a radio interview as quoted by Arab News, stating that the Israeli government is "in violation of humanitarian law."

Earlier that day, the Israeli Security Cabinet unanimously approved a plan to expand its ongoing military campaign in the Gaza Strip and occupy areas within the enclave.

In a statement, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Cabinet approved an "operational plan" proposed by army chief Eyal Zamir to "defeat (the Palestinian group) Hamas" and to bring back Israeli captives held in Gaza.

According to the statement, the plan requires the military "to conquer Gaza and hold the territory under its control."

Israel's Channel 12 reported that the plan also includes the forced relocation of Palestinians from northern Gaza to the south.

More than 52,500 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in Gaza in Israel's brutal attacks since October 2023.

In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its war in the enclave.

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