Criticism of Israel over Gaza
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The gist
Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called Israel's Gaza position 'the worst possible' on Monday, warning Hamas is growing stronger. The criticism highlights deepening internal and international rifts over Gaza policy.
Background
Israel has been engaged in a prolonged conflict in Gaza since the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas. The war has led to massive casualties and destruction, with the Palestinian death toll near 73,400. A U.S.-backed ceasefire plan, led by Nikolay Mladenov, is struggling as Israel continues strikes on Hamas targets. Gallant's comments reflect growing domestic criticism of the government's handling of the situation.
How it unfolded
- Aug 24, 2026Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant criticizes the Israeli government, saying Israel is in the 'worst possible' situation in Gaza and that Hamas is gaining strength.
- Aug 26, 2026Nikolay Mladenov, the U.S. official leading the ceasefire effort, accuses Israel of jeopardizing the ceasefire and the disarmament plan.
- Aug 27, 2026Mladenov reiterates criticism at the U.N. Security Council, warning that the alternative to the U.S. proposal is the next war.
- Aug 28, 2026Reports emerge that Israel is considering expelling British and other European officials from the postwar coordination center in retaliation for criticism.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Defense Minister Israel Katz blamed his predecessor Gallant for allowing Hamas to approach the border fence before Oct. 7, 2023.
- Analysts
- Some experts describe Israel's assault on Gaza as a genocide, according to a Facebook post.
- Public
- Commenters on social media express anger at Israel's actions, with some accusing it of forced displacement plans.
- Support
- Some commenters defend Israel's right to expel officials, comparing it to not allowing hostile people in one's home.
Still unverified
The claim that Israel is considering expelling British and other European officials is based on a Financial Times report and has not been officially confirmed.