CAIRO - Some 20 Arab and Muslim states today strongly condemned Israel's plan to occupy Gaza City in a coordinated statement. According to AFP, the countries warned that the move would represent a "dangerous escalation" of the conflict and a serious threat to regional stability. The joint statement was issued by Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia and Pakistan, among others. The signatories called on the international community to intervene to prevent further deepening of the humanitarian crisis, which they said was already reaching critical proportions.

In the statement, the states recalled that a military occupation of Gaza would lead to further massive displacement of civilians, an increase in casualties and a deterioration in conditions for the delivery of humanitarian aid. Such a move, they said, could undermine all existing efforts to achieve a ceasefire and threaten the security of the entire Middle East.

Cairo, which has long been involved in mediating between the Israeli and Palestinian sides, warned that a possible Israeli offensive in Gaza could have "disastrous consequences" not only for the Palestinian population but also for neighbouring countries. Saudi Arabia expressed support for a diplomatic solution and stressed the need for an immediate cessation of fighting. Turkey described the Israeli plan as a "direct violation of international law".

The Israeli government justifies its intention by the need to destroy the infrastructure of the Hamas movement, which it considers a terrorist organisation. According to Tel Aviv, the occupation of Gaza is necessary to ensure the security of Israeli citizens. However, the plan raises strong international tensions and risks spreading the conflict to other parts of the region. The UN has not yet issued an official statement on the latest declaration by Arab and Muslim states, but its humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned of an unprecedented deterioration in the situation of civilians in the Gaza Strip.

gnews.cz - GH