European Leaders Criticize Israel’s Gaza City Takeover Decision as Humanitarian Concerns Rise
On August 8, 2025, Israel’s security cabinet approved a controversial plan to seize control of Gaza City, escalating its nearly two-year war against Hamas. The decision, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, has drawn sharp criticism from European leaders, who warn that it risks deepening the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With widespread hunger, displacement, and infrastructure devastation plaguing the region, this move has sparked global debate about international law, human rights, and the path to peace. Here’s a detailed look at the situation, the European response, and the broader implications.
The Gaza City Takeover Plan
Israel’s plan involves taking full security control of Gaza City, home to roughly half of Gaza’s 2 million residents, as part of an expanded military operation. Netanyahu has denied intentions of permanent occupation, stating on Fox News that Israel seeks only a “security perimeter” and plans to hand governance to a coalition of Arab forces. However, the move follows 22 months of intense Israeli strikes, which have destroyed over 60% of Gaza’s buildings and displaced nearly its entire population. The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack that killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, has resulted in over 60,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and nearly 900 Israeli soldier fatalities.
The takeover plan has raised alarms due to its potential to exacerbate Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. The United Nations and aid organizations report famine-like conditions, with 93% of the population facing crisis-level food insecurity and 335,000 children under five at risk of malnutrition. Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid, tightened since March 2025, has been condemned as a violation of international law, with only minimal supplies allowed recently.
European Leaders’ Response
European leaders have been vocal in their criticism, emphasizing the humanitarian and legal ramifications of Israel’s decision:
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer: Starmer condemned the plan as “wrong,” stating it “will only bring more bloodshed” and hinder hostage releases. He urged both Israel and Hamas to pursue a ceasefire, warning that a negotiated two-state solution is “vanishing before our eyes” without de-escalation.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: In a significant shift, Germany, a historical ally of Israel, halted arms exports that could be used in Gaza, citing “deep concern” over the takeover plan. Merz’s decision reflects growing unease, with German Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan calling the annexation of Gaza “unacceptable.”
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen: Von der Leyen urged Israel to “reconsider” its military expansion, prioritizing the release of hostages held in “inhumane conditions,” immediate humanitarian aid access, and a ceasefire. Her measured tone contrasts with sharper criticisms from other EU leaders.
- European Council President António Costa: Costa called for EU consequences, stating that the takeover violates international law and a recent EU agreement to improve Gaza’s humanitarian situation. He stressed that a two-state solution remains the only sustainable path forward.
- Other EU Nations: Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen expressed “extreme worry” about worsening conditions, while the Netherlands’ Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp and Denmark’s Lars Løkke Rasmussen labeled the decision a “wrong move” that risks further catastrophe. Belgium summoned Israel’s ambassador to protest the plan, citing violations of international law and risks to hostages.
The EU is also reviewing its Association Agreement with Israel, prompted by 17 member states, including the Netherlands and Spain, due to “indications” of human rights breaches in Gaza. This review, discussed in Brussels in August 2025, could lead to partial suspension of trade or cultural provisions, though a full suspension is unlikely.
Humanitarian and Legal Concerns
The takeover plan has intensified concerns about Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. The UN warns of “mass starvation,” with 14,000 babies at risk of death in the coming weeks. Israel’s aid distribution system, managed by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, has been criticized as chaotic and inadequate, with incidents of crowd crushes and Israeli forces firing near aid seekers. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called for the plan to be “immediately halted,” citing violations of International Court of Justice (ICJ) rulings that ordered Israel to end its occupation and prevent genocide.
Amnesty International’s 2024 report accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, pointing to deliberate starvation tactics and mass displacement. Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell described Israel’s actions as the “largest ethnic-cleansing operation since World War II,” highlighting the blockade’s devastating impact.
Internal Israeli Dissent
Within Israel, the plan faces opposition. Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir warned that it endangers hostages and overburdens the military. Opposition leader Yair Lapid called it a “disaster” that could lead to more hostage and soldier deaths, accusing far-right ministers of pushing Netanyahu toward Hamas’s strategic goals. The Hostages Families Forum echoed these concerns, labeling the decision a “colossal catastrophe.”
Global Context and Implications
The international response extends beyond Europe. Saudi Arabia condemned Israel’s “starvation, brutal practices, and ethnic cleansing,” while Jordan emphasized Palestinian self-determination. Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong warned that forced displacement violates international law. U.S. President Donald Trump took a neutral stance, stating the decision is “up to Israel” and blaming Hamas for stalling talks.
The takeover risks further isolating Israel diplomatically. Germany’s arms export halt, a significant shift given its historical support, signals a broader hardening of European stances. The EU’s potential trade review could impact Israel’s economy, as the EU is its largest trading partner. Meanwhile, ongoing mediation by Egypt and Qatar for a ceasefire and hostage release continues, but prospects remain fragile after previous truce failures.
Conclusion
Israel’s decision to seize Gaza City has ignited fierce criticism from European leaders, who see it as a dangerous escalation that worsens an already dire humanitarian crisis. With famine looming, hostages at risk, and international law under scrutiny, the move has strained Israel’s relations with key allies like Germany and the EU. While Netanyahu insists on temporary security measures, the global call for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and a two-state solution grows louder. The coming weeks, including an emergency UN Security Council meeting on August 9, 2025, will be critical in shaping the conflict’s trajectory and Gaza’s future.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only, based on news reports and public statements as of August 8, 2025. For the latest updates, consult credible news sources or official statements.
