Israel's Gaza City Plan Faces Global Backlash

Israel's security cabinet has approved a phased plan to seize Gaza City, aiming to disarm Hamas, free hostages, and install a new civilian administration unaffiliated with Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. The plan, expected to take up to five months, involves evacuating Gaza City, with humanitarian aid to increase but not within the city itself. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasizes that the goal is not occupation but freeing Gaza from Hamas control. The move has drawn widespread condemnation from the UN, Germany, the UK, Australia, and other nations, citing concerns about civilian displacement and possible violations of international law. Germany has suspended military exports to Israel, and the UN Security Council is preparing for an emergency meeting. Israeli hostage families have criticized the plan, while the US has not overtly opposed it amid mounting global calls for a ceasefire and greater humanitarian assistance.