‘Despicable, unconscionable’: Irish foreign minister slams Israel’s war expansion
Simon Harris has been the latest European official to weigh in on Israel’s expansion of its war on Gaza.
In a statement, the top diplomat in the Republic of Ireland said the expansion of Israeli operations in Gaza “would result in further deaths, casualties and untold suffering for the Palestinian population who already face a dire humanitarian situation”.
“What is happening to the people of Gaza is despicable and unconscionable,” Harris said, strongly urging Israel to exercise “restraint”.
“We need to see an immediate cessation of hostilities, release of remaining hostages and the resumption of humanitarian aid at scale into Gaza,” he added.
The reports of a planned extension of military operations by Israeli forces in Gaza are alarming.
Such a move would result in further deaths, casualties and untold suffering for the Palestinian population who already face a dire humanitarian situation. pic.twitter.com/HlBOp9eds4
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) May 5, 2025
Israel’s ex-ground forces commander calls for 2-month limit on expanded Gaza offensive
Major General Yiftach Ron-Tal, former commander of Israel’s ground forces, has called for the government to put an expiration date on the upcoming Gaza offensive.
“A time limit must be set for the continuation of the war,” Ron-Tal said in comments carried by Israel’s 103FM radio station. “Either we launch a decisive operation that leads to the conquest of the Gaza Strip – in my view, between four to eight weeks – or if that doesn’t happen, I support ending it all and pulling out,” he added.
“Enough with the prolongation of the war,” Ron-Tal said.
Israeli minister predicts little push back from Trump on Gaza plans
Minister Ze’ev Elkin has downplayed the prospect of US President Donald Trump pushing back on plans for Israel’s military to indefinitely occupy Gaza following the war. “I don’t feel that there is pressure on us from Trump and his administration – they understand exactly what is happening here,” said Elkin.
Trump has previously called for the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza. The White House has not yet responded to Israel’s recent expansion of its military assault on the enclave.
UN chief ‘alarmed’ by Israeli military plan for Gaza
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is “alarmed” by Israel’s decision to expand military action in Gaza and seek the “conquest” of the territory, according to a spokesman.
“This will inevitably lead to countless more civilians killed and the further destruction of Gaza,” Farhan Haq said. “Gaza is, and must remain, an integral part of a future Palestinian state.”
Netanyahu said earlier that the war’s expansion would be “intensive” after his security cabinet approved plans that may include seizing the enclave as a whole.
