The European Union has expressed concern over Israel’s newly approved plan to expand its military offensive in Gaza, warning that the move will deepen the humanitarian crisis and increase civilian suffering in the region.
In a statement issued Monday, EU spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said the bloc is “concerned at the planned extension of the operation by Israeli forces in Gaza, which will result in further casualties and suffering for the Palestinian population.” He called on Israel “to exercise the utmost restraint.”
The warning came after Israel’s security cabinet unanimously approved a broad military plan that includes the conquest and occupation of additional territory in Gaza and the forced relocation of its population to the south. The plan was presented by Israeli military chief Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, who said tens of thousands of reservists were being called up to expand the campaign.
An Israeli official said the operation aims to dismantle Hamas, retrieve hostages still held in Gaza, and prevent the militant group from controlling humanitarian aid. As part of the plan, Israel will hold territory seized during operations, rather than launching temporary raids and withdrawing.
Israeli media reported that the offensive could take months and will begin in stages. Officials have suggested that the timeline may leave room for hostage negotiations ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the region next week.
The humanitarian fallout of Israel’s actions has drawn sharp criticism. The Norwegian Refugee Council and other aid organisations said they would not participate in an Israeli-proposed aid distribution system, calling it a violation of humanitarian principles. NRC Secretary-General Jan Egeland accused Israel of attempting to “manipulate and militarise all aid.”
UNICEF Ireland Executive Director Peter Power described conditions in Gaza as “approaching a worst-case scenario,” with children scavenging for food and dozens dying from malnutrition. “This blockade needs to be called out as a war crime,” he said on Irish radio.
Israel has maintained a total blockade of Gaza since March 2. Despite Israeli claims that sufficient food is available, UN agencies warn of famine and widespread medical shortages. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum condemned the government’s strategy, saying it prioritised territorial control over the safe return of hostages.
Since the war resumed on March 18, Israel has intensified bombardments and ground operations. The campaign follows the October 7 Hamas attack, which killed 1,218 people in Israel. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, Israeli strikes have since killed more than 52,000 people, most of them civilians.
