Malta Urges Israel To Reconsider Gaza ‘Takeover’ Plan

In a public statement, Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg said that Malta is urging the Israeli government to reconsider its announced plan to intensify operations in Gaza.

‘Hamas must disarm and play no part in Gaza’s future, but further escalation by Israel is wrong’, wrote Borg.

‘It will worsen the humanitarian crisis and the cruel conditions in which hostages are being held. A ceasefire is needed now.’

This comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed a five objective plan which involves demilitarising the Gaza strip, taking security control of the territory and creating an alternative civil administration.

The UN has warned that a full takeover of Gaza would bring catastrophic consequences for civilians and hostages.

The UK’s ambassador to Israel said the move would be a serious mistake. Opposition figures in Israel, including Yair Lapid, have called it a disaster, claiming it plays into Hamas’s hands.

According to Israeli media, the plan begins with seizing Gaza City and relocating around one million residents southwards, followed by military operations in central Gaza.

The humanitarian situation remains dire. Most of the population has been displaced, food insecurity is severe, and aid delivery through the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has been widely criticised.

#MaltaDaily