Overview

• Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan to seize Gaza City under five end-of-war principles including Hamas disarmament and demilitarisation
• IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and other senior officers voiced objections, citing exhausted reservists and urging a negotiated ceasefire
• Foreign ministers of the UK, Australia, Germany, Italy and New Zealand issued a joint statement condemning the offensive and calling for an immediate permanent ceasefire
• Germany suspended exports of military equipment to Israel that could be used in Gaza in protest of the planned ground operation
• Australia is coordinating with European and North American partners on UN recognition of a Palestinian state while seeking assurances on governance and security reforms