Palestinians rush to collect humanitarian aid airdropped by parachutes into Gaza City, northern Gaza Strip. (AP Photo)
Israel-Gaza war Live News Updates: EU Council president Antonio Costa on Friday said Tel Aviv decision to take over Gaza City violates the July 19 agreement announced by the High Representative and “must have consequences for EU-Israel relations.” Reaffirming the two-state solution “as the only political path for stability in the region,” he urged the Israeli government to reconsider and said the move will be assessed by the Council. The Israeli government early on Friday announced its decision for a full-scale military takeover of Gaza. However, PM Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel did not plan to govern over the city. Instead, it sought to hand it over to the Arab forces. Quoting an Israeli source, CNN reported that Tel Aviv has fixed October 7 as the deadline for evacuating Gaza City ahead of the seige.
US has ‘no plans’ to recognise state of Palestine: During a bilateral meeting with foreign secretary David Lammy at Chevening House, US vice-president JD Vance said the Washington has “no plans” to recognise a state of Palestine. “I don’t know what it would mean to really recognise a Palestinian state, given the lack of functional government there,” The Guardian quoted Vance as saying. Vance further stated two goals of the White House at the moment — to make sure “Hamas cannot attack innocent Israeli civilians ever again” and solve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
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World reaction, arms embargo: In response to Tel Aviv’s announcement, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his country will not authorise any exports of military equipment that could be used in the strip “until further notice.” Former ambassador of Israel to Germany Jeremy Issacharoff said Israel “should be concerned” about the move. However, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office reiterated that Tel Aviv’s goal is not to take over Gaza, but to free it from Hamas and enable the establishment of a peaceful government there. Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the Israel’s decision “wrong,” urging Tel Aviv to reconsider. Starmer warned that it “will only bring more bloodshed” and won’t help secure the release of hostages. Australia, likewise, appealed to Israel “not to go down this path.” Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey and Spain have condemned Israel’s move.
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