### Global Leaders Urge Israel to Cease Military Offensive in Gaza

In an escalating situation marked by heightened tensions and international outcry, leaders from Europe and the Middle East have called for Israel to halt its intensified military operations in the Gaza Strip. This comes in response to Israel’s newly declared offensive aimed at rescuing hostages held by Hamas.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has urged global pressure to stop what he termed a “massacre in Gaza.” Sanchez revealed that Spain is planning to introduce a United Nations resolution seeking a world court ruling to ensure aid access to the Palestinian territory. The conflict that spiraled following Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in significant casualties on both sides, has reached critical humanitarian dimensions, according to Sanchez. He emphasized the "unacceptable numbers" of victims and widespread displacement, stating that more than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed, 100,000 wounded, and two million displaced since the conflict began.

Germany expressed its deep concern over Israel’s military actions, with a Foreign Office representative highlighting the preliminary stages of the new offensive. Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has been in close contact with regional counterparts, underlining the diplomatic efforts underway to address the escalating hostilities.

European Council President Antonio Costa voiced his shock at the deteriorating conditions in Gaza, underscoring the plight of starving civilians and the repeated targeting of hospitals. Costa made a plea for an end to the violence, as conveyed through his social media channels.

At an Arab League summit held in Baghdad, Arab leaders united in their condemnation of Israel’s intensified bombing campaign. Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi described Israel's actions as "systematic crimes" aimed at eradicating the Palestinian presence in Gaza. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani accused Israel of committing genocide, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the collective punishment of Palestinians.

Italy has also joined the chorus of nations calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani advocating for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Tajani, during a visit to Sicily, emphasized the need to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

In a televised address, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused US President Donald Trump of falsely claiming to seek peace in Gaza, instead blaming the US for supporting the conflict and chaos in the region.

The conflict has resumed with full force following a six-week ceasefire, with Israel imposing a complete blockade on Gaza in March and renewing its military operations shortly after. Israel’s stated objective is the dismantling of Hamas’s military capabilities and infrastructure, a response to the deadly attacks on Israeli communities that occurred in October 2023.