After the Israeli far-right cabinet last night approved a plan for conquering Gaza City and fully occupying Gaza Strip, Hadash slams it as a “disaster that will lead to the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, Israeli hostages and soldiers.” “Occupying all Gaza Strip marks a major escalation by Israel in its genocide war on the Palestinian territory and will likely result in the forced displacement of tens of thousands of exhausted and starving residents who are experiencing famine conditions as Israel continues to block humanitarian aid from entering the territory,” Hadash says.
“Revolt”, protesters against war gathering in front of the Likud headquarters in Tel Aviv, August 07, 2025 (Photo: Erik Marmor/Flash90)
In addition, UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Türk on Friday, August 8, said: “The Israeli government’s plan for a complete military takeover of the occupied Gaza Strip must be immediately halted.” In a statement, Türk said: “It runs contrary to the ruling of the International Court of Justice that Israel must bring its occupation to an end as soon as possible, to the realization of the agreed two-state solution and to the right of Palestinians to self-determination.” China expresses “serious concerns” over Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City, urging it to “immediately cease its dangerous actions.” “Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and is an inseparable part of Palestinian territory,” a foreign ministry spokesperson tells AFP in a message. “The correct way to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to secure the release of hostages is an immediate ceasefire,” they add. “A complete resolution to the Gaza conflict hinges on a ceasefire; only then can a path to de-escalation be paved and regional security ensured,” the spokesperson says. Beijing says it is “willing to work together with the international community to help end the fighting in Gaza as soon as possible.”
On Thursday evening, outside the cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, thousands of protesters rallied against the move to expand the occupation The protesters called for a deal to end the war and the release of all the hostages. In Tel-Aviv, police arrested 10 protesters as thousands gathered in front of the Likud headquarters in Tel Aviv and blocked Ayalon Highway to demand a hostage deal and the end of the war. Protest groups said two of the protesters were minors. Demonstrations against war take place across Israel in Herzliya, Haifa, Karkur junction, Hod Hasharon, Rosh HaAyin, Kfar Sava, Beer Sheva, Raanana, Naveh Ilan, Ha’ogen junction, Gome junction, Yesod Hama’ala, Rosh Pina, Beit Hashita, Horfish, Tzemach, Yannai junction and other localities
Around 300 architects and planners have signed on Friday petition titled “Stop the Destruction – Yes to Rebuilding Gaza”. “We express deep shock at the acts of destruction, killing, starvation and mass deportation from cities and civilian areas in the Gaza Strip,” they wrote. “We cannot forget Hamas’ horrific crimes on October 7 – acts of massacre, destruction and the abduction of civilians from border communities. But those atrocities do not justify indiscriminate harming of civilians, women and children or the near-total destruction of the Gaza Strip.”
On Thursday, Israeli cultural organizations issued a statement condemning “attacks on the very idea of free culture” after some 1,000 Israeli artists and authors were criticized for signing a petition called “Stop the Horror in Gaza.” The petition called for an end to the war and the safe return of hostages. It also accused Israel of causing starvation and urged soldiers not to follow illegal orders or commit war crimes. Signed by organizations including the Association of Museums and ICOM Israel, the Israeli Directors’ Guild, and the Israeli Actors’ Association, the statement said, “In recent weeks, we have witnessed a troubling wave of threats and attacks against creators, cultural organizations, and Israeli artworks.”
“The focus of these attacks is on the very idea of free culture—one that allows itself to ask questions, challenge, critique, and dream, and one that must also include uncomfortable voices. This is the essence and very existence of culture.” The statement continued, expressing concern over the “inflammatory discourse that seeks to punish and boycott artists based on their positions, identity, or the content of their work.” The organizations warned that this growing trend creates an atmosphere of fear, persecution, censorship, and a threat to cultural freedom in Israel, as well as the individual right to freedom of expression and creativity.
Israel has been facing mounting outrage locally and worldwide over its destructive war on Gaza, where more than 61,200 people have been killed since October 2023. According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, some 160 Palestinians, including 90 children, have died due to malnutrition brought on by starvation. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the Strip.
Related: https://maki.org.il/en/?p=32908
