Paris/Sydney/Wellington – French President Emmanuel Macron has strongly criticized Israel’s move to seize control of Gaza City, calling it “a disaster of unprecedented scale” and “a headlong rush into permanent war.” Macron proposed that an international coalition under a UN mandate should take responsibility for administering the war-torn enclave.
His remarks came shortly after Reporters Without Borders accused the Israeli army of the “deliberate killing” of Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif and five colleagues in Gaza — an incident that has intensified global outrage over the Gaza conflict.
Australia and New Zealand Move Toward Palestinian State Recognition
In a significant diplomatic shift, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that his country will officially recognize a Palestinian state in September 2025. The recognition will be formally declared at the United Nations General Assembly, marking Australia’s alignment with other Western nations including France, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
Albanese emphasized that this decision is based on commitments from the Palestinian Authority, including:
- Exclusion of Hamas from any future Palestinian government
- Demilitarization of the territory
- Democratic general elections
- Ending financial payouts to families of prisoners and militants
- Governance and education reforms under international oversight
“This is about more than borders,” Albanese said. “It’s about offering a lifeline to the people of Gaza and breaking the cycle of violence in the Middle East.”
New Zealand also signaled it is likely to recognize a Palestinian state soon. Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated the decision is “a matter of when, not if,” while Prime Minister Christopher Luxon stressed the importance of a “careful, well-considered approach.”
If Wellington proceeds, four of the Five Eyes intelligence partners — Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK — will back Palestinian statehood, leaving the United States increasingly isolated in its steadfast support for Israel’s military campaign.
Israel Dismisses Recognition Efforts
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned Western nations’ recognition of Palestinian statehood as “shameful,” accusing them of falling for “a dangerous illusion” that would “embolden Hamas” and undermine Israel’s security.
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong rejected that argument, insisting, “We cannot keep repeating the same failed approach and expecting peace. A two-state solution remains the only viable path to lasting stability.”
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza
Meanwhile, Israel’s planned military takeover of Gaza City could force the displacement of up to one million people, sparking alarm from United Nations officials and international humanitarian agencies.
Ramesh Rajasingham, head of the UN’s humanitarian coordination office in Geneva, warned that Gaza is no longer facing a “looming hunger crisis” but “starvation, pure and simple.” The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has issued its most severe alert yet, cautioning that famine is already unfolding.
Health authorities in Gaza report that since October 2023, 98 children have died from severe acute malnutrition — 37 of them since July 1, 2025.
Worldwide Protests Against Gaza War
Public anger is mounting worldwide, with mass protests in major cities including London and Sydney.
- In London, over 460 arrests were made during a massive rally over the weekend.
- In Sydney, between 90,000 and 300,000 people marched across the Harbour Bridge last week, demanding an end to the war and the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.
Demonstrations are expected to continue throughout August, as global pressure mounts on Israel to halt its military offensive and agree to a ceasefire.
