Red Cross condemns Gaza City occupation plan as 'intolerable'
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"Israel's" drive to seize Gaza City has drawn global condemnation, with the Red Cross, the United Nations, and world leaders warning that the assault deepens famine, mass civilian deaths, and the prospect of permanent occupation.
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Palestinians check the destruction next to a crater after Israeli military strikes in a tent camp for displaced people near Al-Aqsa Hospital, in Deir al-Balah, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025 (AP)
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has condemned "Israel’s" latest military escalation in the Gaza Strip, warning that the offensive will deepen an already catastrophic humanitarian disaster inflicted on the Palestinian people.
"Israel" has summoned nearly 60,000 reservists to spearhead its drive into Gaza City, a move widely seen as part of a long-term plan to reassert military control over the besieged territory. The ICRC cautioned that this campaign would only compound Palestinian suffering under blockade and bombardment.
"The intensification of hostilities in Gaza means more killing, more displacement, more destruction and more panic," said Christian Cardon, the ICRC’s chief spokesperson. He described Gaza as a prison: "Gaza is a closed space, from which nobody can escape... and where access to health care, food and safe water is dwindling. Meanwhile, the security of humanitarians is getting worse by the hour. This is intolerable."
The ICRC has been present in Gaza throughout the war and has mediated all prisoner exchanges involving the Israelis taken captive by Palestinian fighters during the October 7 events.
"Israel’s" expansion into Gaza City follows Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s declaration on August 7 that "Israel" would seize control of the entire strip. The cabinet’s swift approval of this decision has been condemned internationally as a dangerous step toward permanent occupation.
International Condemnations
The response from international bodies and governments has been swift. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk warned that "Israel’s" planned takeover "must be immediately halted," describing it as a grave violation of international humanitarian law. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the move a "dangerous escalation," urging an immediate ceasefire, humanitarian access, and the unconditional release of captives.
A joint statement from the European Union and countries including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom pressed for an end to the assault, while humanitarian arms of the EU warned that famine is unfolding in Gaza.
Political leaders across the region and beyond have spoken out. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer called "Israel’s" decision "wrong" and a path to "more bloodshed." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz suspended weapons exports that could be used in Gaza operations. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan called on Muslim countries to unite in opposition, while Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said the offensive is "killing [the] prospect of peace."
Read more: Macron warns 'Israel's' Gaza invasion will lead to regional disaster
Mounting Toll
"Israel’s" offensive has already killed at least 62,122 Palestinians, the majority civilians, according to the health ministry in Gaza.
With the Gaza Strip sealed off, aid deliveries collapsing, and famine warnings escalating, international concern is mounting that "Israel’s" latest push may transform an already devastated territory into what UN officials describe as an "uninhabitable" zone.
