Venezuela Condemns Israeli Plans for Gaza Occupation as “Genocidal Escalation”
The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela issued a forceful statement on Thursday opposing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported intention to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, labeling the strategy as a “genocidal escalation” and a continuation of over seventy years of “Zionist barbarism” since 1948, reports 24brussels.
This declaration from the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry criticizes the occupation as a deliberate attempt to erase the Palestinian population and calls for urgent international action to counter it. The statement follows reports from both Israeli media and international outlets indicating that Netanyahu’s war cabinet is preparing to greenlight military operations throughout the entire enclave, encompassing areas where hostages are held.
Venezuela characterized the proposed operations as intolerable for the collective conscience of humanity, advocating for coordinated political, economic, military, and diplomatic pressure to halt them. The government reaffirmed its longstanding support for Palestinian statehood, urging the United Nations to grant Palestine full member status with East Jerusalem as its capital, borders based on pre-1967 lines, and the rights of return for all displaced Palestinians.
This appeal coincides with increasing international momentum, including recent endorsements from France, Canada, and other nations in support of Palestinian recognition at the upcoming UN General Assembly.
In its statement, Venezuela emphasized the catastrophic toll on Gaza over the past two years, with over 60,000 civilians reportedly killed, millions displaced, vital infrastructure devastated, and a blockade leading to widespread famine and malnutrition. The government accused Israel of employing starvation as a weapon and condemned the global silence surrounding the humanitarian crisis.
Venezuela specifically addressed the Jewish diaspora, urging Jewish communities worldwide to denounce the atrocities committed in Gaza. “We urge the Jewish people to raise their voices against these atrocities, which betray their own history of suffering and struggle,” the statement said.
The Maduro administration has consistently vocalized its position in international forums, most recently at the High-Level Conference on the Question of Palestine at the UN, where Venezuelan diplomats called for an end to U.S. vetoes that protect Israel and demanded accountability for war crimes. Venezuela has also supported South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
The Venezuelan government’s stance signifies a broader shift in Latin American diplomacy, with countries like Brazil, Chile, and Colombia voicing their support for Palestinian statehood and condemning Israeli military actions. Regional coalitions are anticipated to unify their efforts ahead of the UN vote later this year.
As Netanyahu intensifies his military objectives, aiming to eliminate Hamas and establish a permanent occupation of Gaza, Venezuela cautions that such policies will exacerbate the ongoing crisis and further isolate Israel on the global stage. The statement concludes with a call for peace, justice, and the restoration of Palestinian rights through multilateral cooperation.
