Vienna: Austria, France, Canada, and Norway have joined a growing list of countries condemning Israel's recent decision to launch a large-scale military operation aimed at reoccupying the entire Gaza Strip. This joint statement, which also includes nations such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand, highlights serious concerns over the potential humanitarian and legal ramifications of Israel's actions.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the statement underscores the exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis and the increased risk of mass displacement of Palestinian civilians. It also warns about the potential endangerment of prisoners' lives due to the Israeli military operations.
The statement further emphasizes that the Israeli government's plans could violate international humanitarian law. It specifically points out that any attempts to annex or expand settlements would constitute violations of international law.
The international community is being urged by the statement to work towards an immediate and lasting ceasefire. This call to action is particularly pressing given the looming threat of famine in Gaza, which necessitates the urgent and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid.
The dire humanitarian situation in Gaza is reiterated as catastrophic, with a call for the Israeli government to modify the registration system for international relief organizations. The exclusion of these organizations would send a concerning signal, the statement warns.
The necessity of a two-state solution is highlighted as the only viable path to ensuring peace, security, and dignity for both Israelis and Palestinians. The statement outlines that achieving a political solution based on the two-state framework requires the complete disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from governance in the Gaza Strip, while emphasizing a central role for the Palestinian Authority.
The Israeli cabinet recently approved a plan that involves occupying Gaza City by displacing its roughly one million residents to the south, followed by encircling the city and conducting incursions into residential areas.
