PM condemns Israel’s plan to seize Gaza as illegal, illegitimate

Shehbaz says expansion of military operations will only worsen humanitarian crisis, derail any prospects for peace

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ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday strongly condemned the Israeli cabinet’s approval of a plan to take control of Gaza City, calling it an illegal and illegitimate action. In a statement, he described the move as a dangerous escalation in the ongoing war against the Palestinian people.

“This amounts to a dangerous escalation in an already catastrophic war against the people of Palestine. This expansion of military operations will only worsen the existing humanitarian crisis and derail any prospects for peace in the region,” PM Shehbaz said, stressing that such actions are detrimental to regional stability.

We strongly condemn the Israeli cabinet’s approval of a plan to take illegal and illegitimate control of Gaza City. This tantamounts to a dangerous escalation in an already catastrophic war against the people of Palestine.

This expansion of military operations will only worsen…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) August 8, 2025

He emphasised the root cause of the ongoing tragedy, stating, “That is Israel’s prolonged, illegal occupation of Palestinian territory. As long as this occupation endures, peace will remain elusive.”

The premier reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination and the creation of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, in line with relevant United Nations and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) resolutions.

Read More: Netanyahu eyes Gaza takeover

The Prime Minister called on the international community to intervene urgently, demanding an immediate halt to Israel’s aggression, the protection of innocent civilians, and the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza.

A day earlier, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel plans to take full control of Gaza but does not intend to govern it, as he convened his security cabinet to discuss updated plans 22 months into the war.

The cabinet meeting comes as Netanyahu faces mounting pressure at home and abroad for a truce deal to pull Gaza's more than two million people back from the brink of famine and to spare hostages held by Palestinian militants.

With tensions rising, Netanyahu took to the airwaves telling US network Fox News the government intends to seize complete control of the Gaza Strip.

Asked if Israel will take control of "all of Gaza", Netanyahu said: "We intend to."

He was expected to seek the cabinet's approval for an expanded offensive, which could see ground troops operate in densely populated areas where hostages are believed to be held, Israeli media reported.

Global condemnation follows Netanyahu’s Gaza plan approval

The world has strongly reacted to the plan approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet, drawing swift criticism both domestically and internationally.

Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli plan

Saudi Arabia rejected Israel’s Gaza City takeover plan, calling it “starvation” and “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinians.

The foreign ministry “categorically” condemned Israel’s “brutal practices” in Gaza.

Germany halts arms exports

Germany will suspend military exports to Israel that could be used in Gaza, Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced.

The move marks a major policy shift for one of Israel’s strongest allies. Merz said it was “increasingly difficult to understand” how Israel’s new plan would help disarm Hamas or free hostages.

Read: Global outcry as Israel moves to take control of Gaza City

From October 2023 to May 2025, Germany approved at least €485 million in defence exports to Israel, including firearms, ammunition, and special vehicles.

Merz reiterated Israel’s right to self-defence but urged a ceasefire and warned against annexing the West Bank.

EU urges reversal

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Israel “must reconsider” its Gaza plan.

Belgium summoned Israel’s ambassador to protest both the Gaza City plan and West Bank annexation ambitions.

Other reactions

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen urged Israel to reverse the decision, calling it “wrong.”

Hamas labelled the plan a “war crime” and said Israel “does not care” about the fate of hostages.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk warned the takeover would “cause more deaths and suffering” and violated an International Court of Justice ruling to end the occupation.