EU rejects Israeli plan for 'territorial, demographic changes' in Gaza

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News Websites
21 Aug 2025 20:44
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The European Commission rejects "Israel's" attempts to occupy Gaza's territory or demographics amid Netanyahu's plots that began with Gaza City.

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Palestinians stand on the edge of a crater after Israeli strikes in a tent camp for displaced people near Al-Aqsa Hospital, in Deir al-Balah, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025 (AP)

The European Union has strongly rejected any attempts by "Israel" to impose "territorial or demographic changes" in the Gaza Strip, according to European Commission foreign affairs spokeswoman Anitta Hipper.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Hipper addressed ongoing developments in Gaza, emphasizing the EU’s consistent position. “We have a clear position that we have also reiterated in terms of the EU rejecting any attempts of territorial or demographic changes in the Gaza Strip,” she stated.

EU position on Netanyahu’s Gaza scheme

Hipper’s remarks followed reports in The Jerusalem Post citing Israeli occupation forces spokesperson Effie Defrin, who announced that the IOF had launched a military offensive on Gaza City. The report claimed that Israeli forces had taken control of the city’s outskirts.

Commenting on this and broader policy moves, Hipper said the EU remains firm in its rejection of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plans to reshape Gaza.

Amid the bland criticism of "Israel's" broader occupation schemes, she added that when it comes to the Palestinian resistance movement, the EU holds a clear stance: “Hamas must have absolutely no role in the future government and security in Gaza.”

Netanyahu to review new genocide phase

Meanwhile, Netanyahu is expected to arrive at the Southern Command on Thursday to approve military plans to occupy Gaza City.

“Negotiations will be held under heavy fire, and everything depends on reaching an agreement,” Israeli media said.

Previously, the Israeli military spokesperson for the occupation army confirmed on Wednesday evening the launch of the second phase of "Operation Gideon’s Chariots (B)" aimed at occupying Gaza City.

According to the military spokesperson, the 162nd Division has begun operations from Jabalia in the northwest as part of a broader plan to tighten the siege on the city. The statement said the campaign may take an extended period, but could also be halted depending on political directives. It added that the maneuvers are being carried out by conscript units supported by 133,000 reserve soldiers.