EU 'concerned' about Israel's plans to take over Gaza
Published: 05:05 PM,May 05,2025 | EDITED : 09:05 PM,May 05,2025
A Palestinian farmer inspects an olive tree, which was cut after an attack by Israeli settlers, in the village of Abu Falah, northeast of Ramallah. - AFP
BRUSSELS: The European Union on Monday expressed concerns about plans by the Israeli security Cabinet to take over the Gaza Strip and for the army to control the territory for an unspecified amount of time.
'The European Union is concerned about the extension of these operations in Gaza, which will lead to further casualties and additional suffering for the Palestinian population,' an EU spokesman told journalists in Brussels.
'The EU urges for Israel to hold back,' he added, reiterating the bloc's position 'that negotiation is the only method, the only way forward for the return of hostages and the ceasing of all hostilities.'
The EU also urged Israel to lift its blockade on Gaza and to allow 'immediate access to and the distribution of humanitarian aid, as well as the restoration of electricity to Gaza and the restoration of critical services.'
'The Palestinian population has suffered enough in recent years and that it's time to put an end to the violence and suffering.'
Meanwhile, officials said that Israel may seize the Gaza Strip and control aid in an expanded offensive against Hamas that was approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet on Monday.
An Israeli defence official said it would not be launched before US President Donald Trump concludes his visit next week to the Middle East.
The decision, after weeks of faltering efforts to agree a ceasefire with Hamas, underlines the threat that a war heaping international pressure on Israel amid dwindling public support at home could continue with no end in sight.
A government spokesman told journalists online that reserve soldiers were being called up to expand operations in Gaza, not to occupy it.
A report by Israel's public broadcaster Kan, citing officials with knowledge of the details, said the new plan was gradual and would take months, with forces focusing first on one area of the battered enclave.
Israeli troops have already taken over an area amounting to around a third of the Gaza Strip, displacing the population and building watchtowers and surveillance posts on cleared ground the military has described as security zones, but the new plan would go further.
One Israeli government official said the newly approved offensive would seize the entire territory of the Gaza Strip, move its civilian population southward.
The defence official said aid distribution, which has been handled by international aid groups and UN organisations, would be transferred to private companies and handed out in the southern area of Rafah once the offensive begins.
The Israeli military, which throughout the war has shown little appetite for occupying Gaza, declined to comment on the remarks by government officials and politicians. — Agencies
'The European Union is concerned about the extension of these operations in Gaza, which will lead to further casualties and additional suffering for the Palestinian population,' an EU spokesman told journalists in Brussels.
'The EU urges for Israel to hold back,' he added, reiterating the bloc's position 'that negotiation is the only method, the only way forward for the return of hostages and the ceasing of all hostilities.'
The EU also urged Israel to lift its blockade on Gaza and to allow 'immediate access to and the distribution of humanitarian aid, as well as the restoration of electricity to Gaza and the restoration of critical services.'
'The Palestinian population has suffered enough in recent years and that it's time to put an end to the violence and suffering.'
Meanwhile, officials said that Israel may seize the Gaza Strip and control aid in an expanded offensive against Hamas that was approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet on Monday.
An Israeli defence official said it would not be launched before US President Donald Trump concludes his visit next week to the Middle East.
The decision, after weeks of faltering efforts to agree a ceasefire with Hamas, underlines the threat that a war heaping international pressure on Israel amid dwindling public support at home could continue with no end in sight.
A government spokesman told journalists online that reserve soldiers were being called up to expand operations in Gaza, not to occupy it.
A report by Israel's public broadcaster Kan, citing officials with knowledge of the details, said the new plan was gradual and would take months, with forces focusing first on one area of the battered enclave.
Israeli troops have already taken over an area amounting to around a third of the Gaza Strip, displacing the population and building watchtowers and surveillance posts on cleared ground the military has described as security zones, but the new plan would go further.
One Israeli government official said the newly approved offensive would seize the entire territory of the Gaza Strip, move its civilian population southward.
The defence official said aid distribution, which has been handled by international aid groups and UN organisations, would be transferred to private companies and handed out in the southern area of Rafah once the offensive begins.
The Israeli military, which throughout the war has shown little appetite for occupying Gaza, declined to comment on the remarks by government officials and politicians. — Agencies