The European Union (EU) has called on Israel to exercise utmost restraint after the Israeli security cabinet approved the expansion of the military operation in the Gaza Strip, it was announced Monday from Brussels.
“The EU is concerned about the planned expansion of Israeli forces’ operation in Gaza, which will result in additional casualties and suffering for the Palestinian people. We call on Israel to show the highest possible level of restraint,” stated European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni at a press conference.
According to Israeli media reports, the plan includes taking and maintaining military control over territory within Gaza, where Israel has been waging war against Hamas militants since October 2023.
When asked by journalists whether the EU is considering imposing sanctions if Israel ignores its calls, El Anouni responded: “I don’t want to speculate about future measures or responses. Our position is clear and we will repeat it as many times as necessary. We are not asking – we are repeating our call,” he emphasized.
The security cabinet, composed of key ministers for foreign policy and security, also gave preliminary approval for the renewal of humanitarian aid deliveries through private companies. The United Nations (UN) immediately condemned this decision, warning that it constitutes a violation of fundamental humanitarian principles, and announced that it will not cooperate in its implementation.
The new phase of the military operation is reportedly set to begin after the planned visit of the United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump to the Middle East, scheduled for the period from May 13th to 16th. The operation comes despite repeated warnings from the UN that “serious violations” of international law have been committed in Gaza, where over 50.000 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in retaliation for the Hamas attack on October 7th last year.
“We will finally occupy the Gaza Strip. We will stop being afraid of the word ‘occupation’,” stated Israeli Finance Minister from the far-right party, Bezalel Smotrich, on Monday.
