Global condemnation grows as Israel deepens aggression in Gaza

Department of Research, Studies and International News -20-05-2025

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared his intention to seize full control of the Gaza Strip, escalating a military campaign that has already resulted in catastrophic civilian casualties and international outcry. Despite mounting pressure from key Western allies, namely the United Kingdom, France, and Canada, Netanyahu’s government remains defiant, pressing forward with an offensive that many have condemned as disproportionate and in violation of international humanitarian norms.

The joint statement issued by London, Paris, and Ottawa criticized the Israeli military’s intensified operations and the severe restrictions on humanitarian aid as “egregious,” warning that a failure to halt the offensive and allow unimpeded aid access would result in “concrete” consequences. These governments characterized the conditions in Gaza as “intolerable” and demanded immediate corrective measures.

Israel’s response, however, has been unapologetically aggressive. Netanyahu brushed aside these criticisms, reaffirming his goal of achieving “total victory.” He dismissed the concerns raised by allied leaders as unjust rewards to Hamas for their October 7 operations and accused them of encouraging future attacks. His remarks further alienated the global community, which is already reeling from the unprecedented humanitarian disaster unfolding in the besieged enclave.

The same day the allied statement was released, Israeli warplanes launched deadly strikes that killed over 60 people, while the military designated all of central Khan Younis a combat zone. Civilians, many of whom have already been displaced multiple times, were ordered to flee yet again, despite having nowhere safe to go. The scale of destruction and forced displacement has prompted strong criticism from humanitarian organizations and observers around the world.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, known for his far-right stance, amplified the aggressive rhetoric by openly advocating for the complete obliteration of what remains of Palestinian Gaza. “We conquer, cleanse, and remain,” he stated, suggesting a long-term military occupation designed to eliminate resistance and forcibly relocate the population, possibly even beyond Gaza’s borders under a so-called “third country” relocation plan reportedly tied to proposals from former U.S. President Donald Trump.

In response to warnings about an imminent famine, Netanyahu announced a limited easing of the 11-week blockade, ostensibly to prevent mass starvation. However, only nine aid trucks were allowed to enter Gaza, less than 2% of the pre-conflict daily average. The move was criticized as largely symbolic and wholly insufficient to address the widespread humanitarian catastrophe. British, French, and Canadian officials deemed the measures “inadequate” and in breach of basic humanitarian principles.

Despite his limited concession, Netanyahu admitted during a social media broadcast that it was pressure from some of Israel’s staunchest supporters that forced his hand. He revealed that unnamed Western senators had cautioned that graphic images of starvation might undermine their continued backing for Israel. While he did not name these individuals, Trump had recently remarked on the dire situation in Gaza and pledged to “take care of it,” though no concrete action followed.

Meanwhile, Israeli officials continue to assert that Hamas is looting humanitarian aid, claims that remain unsubstantiated, as no clear evidence or data has been provided. On the other hand, long-established humanitarian agencies working in Gaza, whose operations are subject to strict audits, refute these allegations and stress that their aid channels remain intact and accountable.

In a controversial move, Israel has proposed replacing these NGOs with a new aid distribution network managed by armed contractors under military oversight. This system will be operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a Swiss-registered startup led by Jake Woods, a former U.S. Marine. While Israeli officials describe the initiative as a “U.S.-led solution,” it has been widely criticized by international aid groups for its lack of neutrality and potential to endanger humanitarian workers.

UN agencies and major NGOs have categorically refused to cooperate with GHF, citing its ties to the Israeli military and its use of armed personnel, which violate core humanitarian principles. The source of funding for the GHF remains undisclosed, as Israeli foreign ministry officials declined to comment.

Since October 7, when Hamas launched its cross-border operation that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the capture of 250 hostages, Israel has responded with a relentless assault that has killed over 53,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, and devastated the strip’s infrastructure, including hospitals.

This latest phase of aggression reveals not only Israel’s military ambition but also its broader strategic aim: the forced depopulation and permanent subjugation of Gaza. Yet, the world is no longer turning a blind eye. As Russia, China, and Pakistan have consistently advocated, a just resolution must uphold the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people, not perpetuate their suffering under occupation and siege.