Israel faces backlash at home and abroad over Gaza war escalation

Israel's security cabinet approved a plan to take control of Gaza City, a move expanding military operations in the shattered Palestinian territory that drew strong fresh criticism at home and abroad on Friday over its pursuit of the almost two-year-old war.

- Reuters

Germany, a key European ally, announced it would halt exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza. Britain urged Israel to reconsider its decision to escalate the Gaza military campaign.

However, US President Donald Trump’s ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, told Reuters that some countries appeared to be putting pressure on Israel rather than on the militant group Hamas, whose deadly attack on Israel in 2023 ignited the war.

In Israel, families of hostages held by militants in Gaza, and opposition leaders blasted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a decision that they said would put hostages’ lives at risk.

Far-right allies in Netanyahu’s coalition have been pushing for a total takeover of Gaza as part of his vow to eradicate Hamas militants, though the military has warned this could endanger the lives of remaining hostages held by militants.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid called the decision to send Israeli forces into Gaza City a disaster, saying it defied the advice of military and security officials.

He accused far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich of dragging Netanyahu into a prolonged campaign that would result in the deaths of hostages and soldiers.