The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed on the 10th its "serious concern about the possibility that the situation in the Gaza Strip, which is facing a humanitarian crisis, could further deteriorate" regarding Israel's approval of the "Gaza City occupation plan."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted in a spokesperson's commentary that "the government has consistently supported the two-state solution and opposes all measures that hinder the realization of the two-state solution."
It added, "The government strongly urges all parties to make every effort to ensure civilian protection, including an immediate ceasefire, hostage release, guarantee of humanitarian access, and compliance with international law such as international humanitarian law."
Earlier, on the 8th, the Israeli government approved a military operation plan to seize the urban area of Gaza City in northern Gaza. The plan aims to occupy Gaza City, disarm Hamas, bring all hostages back, and establish an alternative civilian administration in Gaza that is not Hamas or the Palestinian Authority (PA).
Consequently, criticism from the international community has continued. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued a statement saying, "This decision signifies a dangerous escalation and risks further worsening the already catastrophic situation for millions of Palestinians, potentially endangering remaining hostages and more lives," adding, "This escalation will lead to further forced relocations, casualties, and widespread destruction, adding unimaginable suffering to the Palestinian residents of Gaza."
European Union (EU) Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated, "The Israeli government's decision to extend military operations in Gaza must be reconsidered," emphasizing that "a ceasefire and the release of all hostages, along with immediate and unhindered humanitarian assistance, must take place." British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also issued a statement, saying, "(Israel's occupation of Gaza City) will only lead to greater bloodshed."
Additionally, nations including Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, have voiced criticism against Israel's decision. It is also reported that the United Nations Security Council plans to hold an emergency briefing on the 10th (local time) to discuss Israel's decision to occupy Gaza City.
Meanwhile, there is significant opposition within Israel itself. According to foreign reports including AP, over 100,000 citizens took to the streets in Tel Aviv, Israel's largest city, on the night of the 9th to protest against the Gaza City occupation plan. They carried photos and placards of hostages trapped in Palestinian territory, calling for Hamas to release the hostages and for an end to the war.