Several organizations and countries on Tuesday condemned the Israeli military’s ground operations aimed at seizing control of Gaza City and its advance toward the center of the Strip.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, confirmed evidence of a “genocide” unfolding in Gaza. “We see the piling up of war crime after war crime, of crime against humanity, and potentially even more,” he said, adding, “It’s for the court to decide whether it’s genocide or not, and we see the evidence mounting.”

He continued, “The whole world is crying out for peace… Palestinians and Israelis are crying out for peace… Everyone wants this to end, and what we are seeing is a further, completely unacceptable escalation. This massacre must stop.”

For his part, European Union Spokesperson Anwar Al-Aouni said, “The EU has consistently urged Israel not to intensify its operation in Gaza City.” He added, “A military intervention will lead to more destruction, more death and more displacement, and we have been clear that this will also aggravate the already catastrophic humanitarian situation and also endangers the lives of hostages.”

Likewise, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged the Israeli government and all parties to engage in talks toward a ceasefire and a hostage release deal.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper wrote on her X account, “It will only bring more bloodshed, kill more innocent civilians and endanger the remaining hostages.