Brussels: President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen has called on the Israeli government to reconsider its plan to assert control over the Gaza Strip.
According to Qatar News Agency, in remarks published Friday on the platform X, von der Leyen stated, "The Israeli government's decision to further extend its military operation in Gaza must be reconsidered." She emphasized the urgent need for immediate and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid in Gaza, stressing that a ceasefire is now essential to address the dire conditions on the ground.
Earlier today, the Israeli Security Cabinet approved a plan to occupy Gaza City and expand its military offensive across the Strip. Since the onset of the ongoing genocide in Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli forces have occupied nearly all of Gaza City, remaining for several months before withdrawing from most areas in April 2024.
The genocide in Gaza has resulted in 61,258 deaths and 152,045 injuries, the majority of whom are children and women. More than 9,000 people remain missing, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Famine has claimed many lives, including dozens of children.