Global criticism grows over Israel’s deadly attacks on Gaza

Criticism of Israel’s deadly attacks on Gaza since dawn on Tuesday is mounting, with more countries and international bodies calling for a ceasefire. Here are some of the reactions:

• Malta’s Prime Minister Robert Abela called the attacks, which have killed hundreds of Palestinians, “barbarous” in a post on X.

• Turkey’s foreign ministry denounced Israel’s air strikes across Gaza as a new phase in “genocide.”

• Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called for the ceasefire to be maintained following Israel’s attack on Gaza.

• Belgium’s Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot also criticised “the new Israeli strikes and their heavy human toll” and called on "the parties to implement the second phase of the agreement".

• Iran said it strongly condemned a new round of Israeli attacks, saying the United States had direct responsibility for "the continuation of genocide in the occupied Palestinian territories".

• Switzerland’s foreign ministry called for an immediate return to the ceasefire, the release of all captives, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid as it stressed that Israel has “the obligation to protect the civilian population” in Gaza.

• Egypt's foreign ministry spokesperson condemned the Israeli attacks on Gaza, saying they constitute “a blatant violation” of the ceasefire deal and represent “a dangerous escalation” that threatens the stability of the region.

• The EU's aid commissioner called for an immediate end to the renewed violence in Gaza in a post on X, said "it is imperative to return to a ceasefire immediately".

• The UN chief Antonio Guterres was "shocked" by the Israeli air strikes in Gaza, a spokesperson for the world body said in a press conference. He added that Guterres "strongly appeals for the ceasefire to be respected, for unimpeded humanitarian assistance to be re-established, and for the remaining hostages to be released unconditionally."