Israel has pushed back against international condemnation after its security cabinet approved a controversial plan to seize control of Gaza City as part of a wider military campaign.
Defence minister Israel Katz said threats of sanctions from the likes of the UK, France, Germany, Canada, and Australia would “not weaken our resolve”, warning that Israel’s enemies would face “one strong, united fist”.
The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Saturday following the revelation of Benjamin Netanyahu's plans to take full military control of Gaza City, which were approved by his cabinet on Thursday.
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas called for an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nation’s most powerful body in order to stop Israel from escalating its military action in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s office said that “the IDF will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones”.
Hamas has warned the Israeli government that seizing control of Gaza City would mean “sacrificing” the hostages inside the besieged enclave, with the group declaring the decision a “war crime”.
Netanyahu says he wants Israel to take control of all of Gaza before handing it to ‘Arab forces’
The uninhabited island being converted into a Gaza medical facility
‘Apocalyptic’ pictures of Gaza’s devastation echo the destruction of the Hiroshima bomb 80 years on
IDF chief opposes Netanyahu plans to seize Gaza amid fears Israeli hostages and troops will die
Key Points
- Israel hits back at global condemnation of military takeover
- UN Security Council to meet Saturday due to Gaza takeover
- International outcry over Netanyahu's Gaza plan
- Starmer: Israeli escalation in Gaza ‘will only bring more bloodshed’
- Netanyahu says he wants Israel to take control of Gaza
JD Vances disagrees with Starmer's plans to recognize Palestinian state
10:00 , Shahana YasminInside Israel’s plan to seize full military control of Gaza
09:45 , Shahana YasminIsrael’s security cabinet has approved plans to take full military control of Gaza and to force the entire 2.3 million-strong population south, starting with an initial offensive and siege on its largest city, which they will empty by the symbolic anniversary of 7 October, according to sources and reports briefed on the discussions.
The plan was pushed through early Friday after a tense 10-hour marathon meeting, where Benjamin Netanyahu faced fierce resistance from his own chief of staff, Eyal Zamir, a source briefed on the meeting told The Independent.
Netanyahu’s brutal plan for Gaza is a gamble on Israel’s very future
09:31 , Shahana YasminBenjamin Netanyahu believes he has finally found a solution for Gaza. Total reoccupation of the 365 sq km (141 sq miles) of territory and the mass evacuation of its population in a “takeover” that mutilates Israel’s internal democracy and risks placing it near the very top of pariah nations.
This is a defining moment that could further divide Europe from America, where Donald Trump is reported to have been briefed in advance on the Gaza plan.
Israel’s military and intelligence establishment know that they’re being marched into a trap set by Hamas, but on Netanyahu’s instructions.
As Germany pauses military sales to Israel in anger over Gaza, Benjamin Netanyahu now faces global isolation and a sprint to authoritarianism – only America can stop it, writes world affairs editor Sam Kiley
Netanyahu’s brutal plan for Gaza is a gamble on Israel’s very future
Hundreds risk arrest at London protest against Palestine Action terror ban
09:15 , Shahana YasminHundreds of demonstrators are expected to rally in Parliament Square this weekend in defiance of the government’s ban on Palestine Action, which was recently designated a terrorist organisation under the Terrorism Act 2000.
Supporters risk arrest for displaying placards or expressing support for the group, with such offences carrying potential prison sentences of up to 14 years.
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed it will deploy a significant number of officers, including reinforcements from other forces, to manage the wave of protests. Deputy assistant commissioner Ade Adelekan warned that “anyone showing support for Palestine Action can expect to be arrested.”
The protest, organised by Defend Our Juries, follows the recent charging of three individuals over similar actions at a previous event.
Two additional marches, one by the Palestine Coalition and another by Stop the Hate, are also planned in central London over the weekend.
Starmer told to ‘sit this one out’ on Gaza as US-UK split emerges
08:50 , Shahana YasminSir Keir Starmer has faced sharp criticism from a US ambassador over his comments on Israel’s new Gaza plan, as tensions surface between the UK and US approaches to the conflict.
After Sir Keir called Israel’s move to seize control of Gaza City “wrong” and urged a “surge in humanitarian aid”, US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee wrote on social media: “Did the UK surrender to Nazis and drop food to them? Ever heard of Dresden, PM Starmer?”
Huckabee went further, suggesting that if Starmer had been prime minister during the Second World War, “the UK would be speaking German”, and later added that the UK leader “ought to sit this one out.”
Earlier on Friday, US vice president JD Vance acknowledged a “disagreement” between Washington and London over Middle East policy and confirmed the Trump administration has “no plans to recognise a Palestinian state.”
Israel rejects global criticism after approving plan to take control of Gaza
08:30 , Shahana YasminIsrael has pushed back against international condemnation after its security cabinet approved a controversial plan to seize control of Gaza City as part of a wider military campaign.
Defence minister Israel Katz said threats of sanctions would “not weaken our resolve”, warning that Israel’s enemies would face “one strong, united fist”.
The plan includes five key goals: disarming Hamas, returning all hostages, demilitarising the Gaza Strip, asserting Israeli security control, and setting up a new civil administration not linked to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
The move drew fierce opposition from the UN and several countries, including the UK, France, Germany, Canada, and Australia. Germany suspended arms exports, while prime minister Sir Keir Starmer said the move would “only bring more bloodshed”.
Hamas called the plan a “new war crime” that would “cost [Israel] dearly”.
Qatar joins Arab nations in condemning Israel move to occupy Gaza
03:00 , Bryony GoochQatar’s foreign ministry has released a statement condemning Israel’s move to occupy Gaza.
The country joins the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and other Arab nations in denouncing the decision by Netanyahu’s government, after the Israeli prime minister suggested handing governing duties over the enclave over to Arab forces.
Watch: Former Israeli prime minister calls for end to war in Gaza in critique of Netenyahu
02:00 , Bryony GoochAnalysis: Netanyahu’s brutal plan for Gaza is a gamble on Israel’s very future
01:00 , Bryony GoochNetanyahu’s brutal plan for Gaza is a gamble on Israel’s very future
Watch: JD Vances disagrees with Starmer's plans to recognize Palestinian state
Saturday 9 August 2025 00:00 , Bryony GoochMapped: How much of Gaza is under military control?
Friday 8 August 2025 23:00 , Bryony Gooch
UAE condemns Israel's occupation plans
Friday 8 August 2025 22:30 , Bryony GoochThe United Arab Emirates is the latest country to condemn Israel’s move to occupy Gaza, according to its state news agency.
The UAE joins the likes of the UK, Iran, Germany, Turkey and Canada in opposing Israel’s latest military expansion.
Israel hits back at global condemnation of military takeover
Friday 8 August 2025 21:54 , Bryony GoochIsraeli defence minister Israel Katz has said the countries that condemn Israel and threaten sanctions "will not weaken our resolve" ahead of plans to expand its military operation in Gaza.
"Our enemies will find us as one strong, united fist that will strike them with great force," he added.
Watch: Families of Israeli hostages protest Netanyahu plan to occupy Gaza
Friday 8 August 2025 21:38 , Bryony Gooch‘I don’t know what it would mean’: JD Vance hits out at Starmer’s plans to recognise Palestine
Friday 8 August 2025 21:23 , Bryony Gooch
JD Vance tells Lammy US won’t join UK in recognising Palestinian statehood
Canada: Israel's plan to take control of Gaza City is 'wrong'
Friday 8 August 2025 21:00 , Bryony GoochIsrael's plan to take control of Gaza City is "wrong" and will put the lives of the remaining hostages at greater risk, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters on Friday.
Retired Israeli military chief says if Israel takes Gaza City it will control 85 per cent of the strip
Friday 8 August 2025 20:40 , Bryony GoochThe military has said that it controls around 75 per cent of Gaza. Amir Avivi, a retired Israeli brigadier general, estimated that if the military did take Gaza City, it would give Israel control of about 85 per cent of the strip.
"Gaza City is the heart of Gaza. It's really the centre of government. It has always been the strongest and even in the eyes of Hamas, the fall of Gaza City is pretty much the fall of Hamas," said Avivi. "Taking over Gaza City is a game changer."
UN chief calls Gaza takeover 'a dangerous escalation'
Friday 8 August 2025 20:21 , Bryony GoochUnited Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday criticized Israel's plan to take control of Gaza City, with the U.N. chief's spokesperson saying the decision marked "a dangerous escalation."
International outcry at Netanyahu's Gaza plan
Friday 8 August 2025 19:59 , Jabed AhmedInternational condemnation is growing after Israel’s cabinet approved a plan to take full military control of Gaza City. Here’s how global leaders have responded:
UK: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the decision is “wrong” and urged Israel to “reconsider immediately.” He warned it “will only bring more bloodshed” and not help secure the release of hostages.
Turkey: The foreign ministry condemned the plan “in the strongest terms” and called on the UN Security Council to intervene. It said each step by Israel “to continue genocide and occupation” undermines global security.
UN: Human Rights Chief Volker Türk said the move contradicts the International Court of Justice’s ruling and “will result in more massive forced displacement, more killing, more unbearable suffering.” He urged Israel to “allow full, unfettered humanitarian aid” and called for hostages to be “immediately and unconditionally released.”
Netherlands: Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp called the plan “a wrong move” and said it would not improve Gaza’s “catastrophic” humanitarian situation or help free hostages.
Belgium: Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot summoned the Israeli ambassador, expressing “total disapproval” of the decision and of Israel’s “continued colonization” and “desire to annex the West Bank.”
Denmark: Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the decision was wrong and should be “immediately reversed.”
European Commission: President Ursula von der Leyen said Israel must “reconsider” the expansion of its military operation in Gaza.
Saudi Arabia: The foreign ministry “categorically denounces” Israel’s “crimes of starvation, brutal practices, and ethnic cleansing,” and condemned any move to take control of Gaza.
Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin will suspend military exports that could be used in Gaza, adding that the decision “makes it increasingly difficult” to see how Israel’s objectives can be achieved. He acknowledged Israel’s right to disarm Hamas but cited growing public pressure over the humanitarian crisis.
Recap | Germany halts military exports to Israel and urges ceasefire in Gaza
Friday 8 August 2025 19:39 , Jabed AhmedThe German government will not approve any exports to Israel of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice, Chancellor Friedrich Merz said..
"The German government believes that the even tougher military action in the Gaza Strip decided upon by the Israeli cabinet last night makes it increasingly difficult to see how these goals can be achieved," said Merz in a statement.
"Under these circumstances, the German government will not approve any exports of military equipment that could be used in the Gaza Strip until further notice."
Germany's parliament said in June that export licences for military equipment to Israel worth 485 million euros (£420 million) were granted between 7 October 2023 and 13 May 2025.
UN Security Council to meet Saturday due to Gaza takeover
Friday 8 August 2025 19:38 , Bryony GoochThe United Nations Security Council will meet on Saturday to discuss the situation in the Middle East, according to its scheduled released on Friday after Israel's security cabinet approved a plan to take control of Gaza City.
Ambassador Riyad Mansour, permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, earlier on Friday said a number of countries would be requesting a meeting of the UN Security Council on Israel's plans.
The meeting will take place at 3 p.m. ET (1900 GMT) on Saturday, the schedule says.
Nearly a thousand trucks of aid wait to be let into Gaza from Jordan
Friday 8 August 2025 19:21 , Bryony GoochUNRWA has said that nearly 1,000 trucks of food and basic essentials are waiting in Jordan to be allowed into Gaza.
This includes:
- 165 trucks of food items: flour, rice, lentils, canned meat and fish
- 744 trucks of non-food items: hygiene supplies, cleaning supplies, clean water kits, blankets, mattresses
- 45 trucks of medicines and medical supplies
In Jordan alone, the total stock of humanitarian aid amounts to:
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) August 7, 2025
➡️ 165 trucks of food items: flour, rice, lentils, canned meat and fish
➡️ 744 trucks of non-food items: hygiene supplies, cleaning supplies, clean water kits, blankets, mattresses
➡️ 45 trucks of medicines and… pic.twitter.com/qW0YPwK2Pz
‘We are heading into the unknown’: Gazan man fears future as displacement looms again
Friday 8 August 2025 18:58 , Jabed AhmedBy Nedal Hamdouna, in Gaza
A man from Jabalia has said renewed displacement in Gaza would be “catastrophic”.
Mahmoud Rayhan, 30, who has been displaced nearly 20 times since the war began, said the repeated trauma and deteriorating conditions have left people in Gaza with no future.
“When I heard the news of the Israeli government invading Gaza, I felt scared because we had spent two years in a war, always hoping it would end.
“Every day, they told us there would be good news tomorrow or the day after and that negotiations were underway to reach a solution. But apparently, there is no point, and our displacement again would be catastrophic.”
Mr Rayhan described Gaza as “uninhabitable” and warned that the Strip is collapsing under the pressure of war and mass movement.
“Life in Gaza has become nonexistent. Even the necessities of life are nonexistent, nonexistent. There is no clean water, no sanitation, no food, and no shelter. Things are difficult. We live in an uninhabitable place.”
He added that the spread of disease, food insecurity and rising prices are deepening the crisis, and said displacement leaves families with nothing.
Rayhan, whose wife is pregnant, said he fears for the future of his child and the next generation in Gaza.
“I'm afraid my child will be born in four months amid famine, that he'll be malnourished, and that he'll be born in a harsh displacement. I see children and people who have been injured and malnourished, and I'm afraid my child will be the same.”
“We live in anxiety, tension, and fear of death, displacement, and everything.”
Analysis | Netanyahu’s brutal plan for Gaza is a gamble on Israel’s very future
Friday 8 August 2025 18:41 , Jabed AhmedNetanyahu’s brutal plan for Gaza is a gamble on Israel’s very future
Displaced Gazan man warns of ‘major catastrophe’
Friday 8 August 2025 18:21 , Jabed AhmedBy Nedal Hamdouna, in Gaza
A displaced Palestinian man in Gaza City has warned that a new Israeli ground offensive would trigger a “major catastrophe”, as fears grow over forced displacement and worsening humanitarian conditions.
Rafiq Abu Jarad, 54, told The Independent he is “anxious and tense” as people across Gaza face repeated displacement with nowhere left to go.
“There’s no place in the south because most of the southern areas are also under Israeli control, including Rafah,” he said.
“There are approximately one million people in the south, and here in Gaza, another million. There’s no room, and it will be a major catastrophe for us and for the one million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”
He said financial exhaustion and lack of shelter make the prospect of further displacement unbearable.
“I’m worried about another forced displacement, and the reason for my anxiety is that I have nowhere to go. I don’t have the money for displacement because displacement requires transportation, and transportation costs over 1,500 shekels. In addition, there are logistical needs, such as tents, toilets, and tarpaulins.”
“I’m financially exhausted, and I don’t have a tent or any other tent supplies to be displaced again. When a million people leave the Gaza Strip for another location, their living conditions will be extremely uncertain. We don’t know what we’ll do, and we don’t know where there will be space to accommodate us.”
Netanyahu’s plan to take over Gaza sparks anger and threat of sanctions from allies
Friday 8 August 2025 17:58 , Bryony Gooch
Netanyahu’s plan to take over Gaza sparks anger and threat of sanctions from allies
Netanyahu tells Merz the goal is not to take over Gaza, but to free the enclave from Hamas
Friday 8 August 2025 17:23 , Bryony GoochThe Israeli prime minister’s office has said that Benjamin Netanyahu responded to German chancellor Friedrich Merz’s decision to halt arms exports that Israel can use in Gaza.
Mr Netanyahu said that the goal is not to take over Gaza, but to instead free the enclave from Hamas and enable a peaceful government to be established there.
The announcement of a full military takeover in the war-torn strip has provoked concern from world leaders including Merz and UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Inside Israel’s plan to seize full military control of Gaza
Friday 8 August 2025 16:59 , Jabed AhmedOur Chief International Correspondent Bel Trew reports from Jerusalem:
Families accuse Israeli government of ‘abandoning hostages’
Friday 8 August 2025 16:30 , Jabed AhmedThe Hostages and Missing Families Forum has accused the Israeli government of abandoning captives held in Gaza.
The group said the decision to pursue further escalation ignores repeated warnings from military officials and “the clear will of the majority of the Israeli public”.
“By choosing military escalation over negotiation, we are leaving our loved ones at the mercy of Hamas,” the forum said. “They don’t have any time left. We can’t leave them in the hands of these monsters any longer.”
They warned that deepening the offensive risked a “colossal catastrophe” for both the remaining hostages and Israeli soldiers.
“The cabinet chose last night to embark on another march of recklessness,” it added.
The group, which represents the families of those still missing, reiterated its demand for a comprehensive deal to secure the release of hostages.
“No more futile war. We will not stand by. We demand a comprehensive deal now.”
Full report | I don’t know what Palestinian statehood would look like, says JD Vance as he insists US won’t follow UK’s move
Friday 8 August 2025 16:21 , Jabed AhmedJD Vance tells Lammy US won’t join UK in recognising Palestinian statehood
EU's Costa: Israel's Gaza plan 'must have consequences for EU-Israel relations'
Friday 8 August 2025 15:56 , Jabed AhmedIsrael's decision to take over Gaza City "must have consequences for EU-Israel relations", EU Council President Antonio Costa said, adding that this will be assessed by the Council and that he urged the Israeli government to reconsider.
"Not only (does the decision) violate the agreement with the EU announced by the High Representative on July 19 but also undermines fundamental principles of international law and universal values," Costa, who heads the European Council that represents EU member states, added in his statement on X.
Full report | Germany stops Israeli arms exports after Gaza City plans
Friday 8 August 2025 15:29 , Jabed Ahmed
US has 'no plans' to recognise Palestinian state, JD Vance says
Friday 8 August 2025 15:16 , Jabed AhmedUS vice president JD Vance said the US has “no plans” to recognise a state of Palestine during a bilateral meeting with Foreign Secretary David Lammy at Chevening House.
He said: “Obviously the United Kingdom’s going to make its decision. We have no plans to recognise a Palestinian state.
“I don’t know what it would mean to really recognise a Palestinian state, given the lack of functional government there.”
He added that the US government’s two goals are “very simple”, saying: “Number one, it’s we want to make it so that Hamas cannot attack innocent Israeli civilians ever again, and we think that has to come through the eradication of Hamas.
“Second, the president has been very moved by these terrible images of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, so we want to make sure that we solve that problem.
“I think all of us can work on how to solve that problem. Obviously, it’s not an easy problem to solve, or it would have already been dealt with, but we share, I think, that focus and that goal. We may have some disagreements about how exactly to accomplish that goal, and we’ll talk about that today.”
International outcry at Netanyahu's Gaza plan
Friday 8 August 2025 15:00 , Jabed AhmedInternational condemnation is growing after Israel’s cabinet approved a plan to take full military control of Gaza City. Here’s how global leaders have responded:
UK: Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the decision is “wrong” and urged Israel to “reconsider immediately.” He warned it “will only bring more bloodshed” and not help secure the release of hostages.
Turkey: The foreign ministry condemned the plan “in the strongest terms” and called on the UN Security Council to intervene. It said each step by Israel “to continue genocide and occupation” undermines global security.
UN: Human Rights Chief Volker Türk said the move contradicts the International Court of Justice’s ruling and “will result in more massive forced displacement, more killing, more unbearable suffering.” He urged Israel to “allow full, unfettered humanitarian aid” and called for hostages to be “immediately and unconditionally released.”
Netherlands: Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp called the plan “a wrong move” and said it would not improve Gaza’s “catastrophic” humanitarian situation or help free hostages.
Belgium: Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot summoned the Israeli ambassador, expressing “total disapproval” of the decision and of Israel’s “continued colonization” and “desire to annex the West Bank.”
Denmark: Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said the decision was wrong and should be “immediately reversed.”
European Commission: President Ursula von der Leyen said Israel must “reconsider” the expansion of its military operation in Gaza.
Saudi Arabia: The foreign ministry “categorically denounces” Israel’s “crimes of starvation, brutal practices, and ethnic cleansing,” and condemned any move to take control of Gaza.
Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin will suspend military exports that could be used in Gaza, adding that the decision “makes it increasingly difficult” to see how Israel’s objectives can be achieved. He acknowledged Israel’s right to disarm Hamas but cited growing public pressure over the humanitarian crisis.
Lammy and JD Vance to discuss situation in Gaza
Friday 8 August 2025 14:46 , Jabed AhmedDavid Lammy said he would be discussing the “developing situation in Gaza” and the ongoing war in Ukraine with JD Vance.
Sitting alongside the US vice-president at the start of a bilateral meeting at Chevening House, the Foreign Secretary said: “Of course we will be discussing the developing situation in Gaza, which is a great concern, and of course the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the desire to see that come to an end.”
The pair are due to hold a formal bilateral meeting on Friday afternoon before Mr Vance continues with his holiday.
Starmer facing calls to end all arms sales to Israel
Friday 8 August 2025 14:37 , Jabed AhmedBy Kate Devlin, Whitehall Editor
The prime minister is facing growing calls to end all UK arms sales to Israel.
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey said: “Rather than sitting on its hands and issuing strongly worded statements, the UK government needs to take decisive action. Keir Starmer needs to stop the export of all UK arms to Israel - today - and sanction Netanyahu and his cabinet."
MP Brian Leishman, who was suspended from Labour last month, said: “The UK needs to end arms sales to Israel.”
Green MP Ellie Chowns said “The UK must do more than express disapproval: end military cooperation and arms sales, recognise Palestine, demand an immediate ceasefire and accountability for war crimes.”
But former national security adviser Lord Ricketts said the UK had already done what Germany has done “many months ago”.
“They made some exemptions, including parts for the F35 fighter jet for various technical reasons, but they have suspended arms that can possibly be used in Gaza. And they have really taken most of the available steps. The real harsh truth is there is almost nothing the British government can do which is going to influence Netanyahu and his calculations about what to do in Gaza. By all means we should consider every possible step, but that is the reality,” he told the BBC.
Analysis | Netanyahu’s brutal plan for Gaza is a gamble on Israel’s very future
Friday 8 August 2025 14:25 , Jabed AhmedOur World Affairs Editor Sam Kiley writes:
Benjamin Netanyahu believes he has finally found a solution for Gaza. Total reoccupation of the 365sqkm of territory and the mass evacuation of its population in a “takeover” that mutilates Israel’s internal democracy and risks placing it near the very top of pariah nations.
This a defining moment that could further divide Europe from America – where Donald Trump is reported to have been briefed in advance on the Gaza plan.
Israel’s military and intelligence establishment know that they’re being marched into a trap set by Hamas but on Netanyahu’s instructions.
Read the full analysis below:
Netanyahu’s brutal plan for Gaza is a gamble on Israel’s very future
