Israel launched a major ground operation in Gaza City on Tuesday (Sept 16), intensifying its ongoing military campaign in the enclave. The move — which Israeli officials describe as part of a broader plan to “take control” of the territory and dismantle Hamas — has triggered sharp criticism from international actors who warn it will deepen the humanitarian crisis.
The European Union, United Nations, United Kingdom and Germany each condemned the escalation. EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni warned that the offensive risks worsening an already “catastrophic” situation in Gaza, noting that Brussels had repeatedly urged Israel to refrain from expanding military operations. He said further attacks would “bring more destruction, more death and more displacement” while endangering hostages still held in the territory.
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper denounced the assault as “utterly reckless and appalling,” calling for an immediate ceasefire. She argued that such operations “will only bring more bloodshed, kill more innocent civilians and endanger the remaining hostages.” Germany also rejected the offensive, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul describing it as “the completely wrong path” and urging renewed diplomacy to secure both a ceasefire and a hostage-release deal.
The escalation came shortly after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Israel, reiterating Washington’s support for its stated goal of eradicating Hamas in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry accused Israel of committing acts that could amount to genocide, alleging that its campaign seeks to eliminate the Palestinian population in Gaza. The panel named Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior Israeli officials as responsible for incitement and failing to curb violence.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk told AFP and Reuters that investigators were witnessing “war crime after war crime after war crime” and “potentially even more.” He added that while it is ultimately for the courts to decide whether genocide is occurring, “we see the evidence mounting.”
