August 18, 2025 | 04:09 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Israel’s escalating attacks in Gaza have once again drawn international condemnation. World leaders warned of worsening humanitarian consequences after Israel’s security cabinet approved a strategy to seize control of Gaza City, according to Al Jazeera.
The announcement was made on Friday, shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel’s plan to assert military authority over the entire Gaza Strip.
The expansion of military operations is expected to deepen the already severe humanitarian crisis, potentially triggering mass displacement, worsening food shortages, and adding to ongoing suffering.
A coalition of Arab and Muslim countries strongly rejected Netanyahu’s remarks about his vision for “Greater Israel.” The idea, supported by Israeli ultra-nationalist groups, is seen as expansionist, encompassing not only the West Bank and Gaza but also parts of Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and Jordan.
In a joint statement, 31 Arab and Islamic countries along with the Arab League described Netanyahu’s stance as a blatant violation of international law. They called it “a clear and dangerous violation of international law and the stable foundations of international relations.”
“They also constitute a direct threat to Arab national security, to the sovereignty of states, and to regional and international peace and security,” the statement read. The signatories included the Secretary-General of the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The Israeli cabinet confirmed on Friday, August 8, 2025, that it had approved the plan to capture Gaza City, a move widely seen as a new escalation in a war that has raged for nearly two years since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
The conflict has already claimed more than 61,100 Palestinian lives, according to a Lancet journal estimate, which is about 40 percent higher than the current official count. Much of Gaza has been destroyed. Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid and restrictions on access for the UN and other agencies have left around two million residents at risk of famine.
The most recent attacks took place on Monday, August 11, when explosions and artillery strikes hit eastern Gaza City. The assault was described as the most devastating in weeks, occurring just hours after Netanyahu announced an accelerated military campaign.
“I want to end the war as quickly as possible, and that is why I have instructed the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) to shorten the schedule for seizing control of Gaza City,” Netanyahu said on Sunday, August 10, 2025.
He described Gaza City as the “capital of terrorism” and suggested that central coastal areas could become the next targets.
Arab News reported that Israeli tanks and fighter jets attacked Sabra, Zeitoun, and Shejaia in eastern Gaza City, forcing many families to flee westward. “It sounded like the war was restarting,” said 25-year-old resident Amr Salah.
International reactions quickly followed. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned Israel’s actions as “a disaster of unprecedented severity” and warned of the risk of perpetual war.
Germany announced on Friday that it would halt the export of military equipment that could be used in Gaza. The UK and several other European countries also urged Israel to reconsider its military strategy.
Adinda Jasmine, Sita Planasari, and Ida Rosdalina contributed to this article.
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