Foreign ministers of nine countries expressed their strong rejection of Israel’s decision to launch a large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip and reoccupy it. This was stated in a joint communiqué by the foreign ministers of Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the High Representative of the European Union, published on the official website of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. The statement indicated that this military operation will exacerbate the catastrophic humanitarian situation, endanger the lives of hostages, and increase the risk of mass displacement of civilians in the Strip. It called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the facilitation of unhindered humanitarian aid access. The Israeli Security Cabinet announced plans to launch a large-scale military operation in Gaza and reimpose control over it, including the possibility of reoccupation, amid a long-standing siege and worsening humanitarian crisis.

These Israeli intentions were met with widespread rejection from the United Nations and many countries and international organizations, which warned that any large-scale military operation or new occupation of Gaza could constitute a violation of international humanitarian law and increase civilian suffering.