The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela issued a strong statement Thursday rejecting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported plan to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, calling it a “genocidal escalation” and a continuation of more than seven decades of “Zionist barbarism” since 1948.

The declaration, released by the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry, denounces the occupation as an attempt to erase the Palestinian people and demands immediate international action to stop it.

The statement comes in response to reports from Israeli media and international outlets confirming Netanyahu’s war cabinet is preparing to authorize military operations across the entire enclave, including areas where hostages are held.

Venezuela described the plan as intolerable for the conscience of humanity and called for coordinated political, economic, military, and diplomatic pressure to halt it.

Venezuela also reiterated its longstanding support for Palestinian statehood, urging the United Nations to recognize Palestine as a full member state with East Jerusalem as its capital, borders based on the pre-1967 lines, and the guaranteed right of return for all displaced Palestinians.

The call aligns with growing international momentum, including recent announcements by France, Canada, and other nations to support Palestinian recognition at the upcoming UN General Assembly.

In its statement, Venezuela emphasized the scale of destruction in Gaza over the past two years: more than 60,000 civilians killed, millions displaced, vital infrastructure destroyed, and a blockade that has led to widespread famine and malnutrition.

The government accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon and condemned the international silence surrounding the humanitarian catastrophe.

Venezuela also addressed the Jewish diaspora directly, calling on Jewish communities around the world to speak out against the crimes 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 read.

The Maduro administration has been vocal in international forums, including the recent High-Level Conference on the Question of Palestine at the UN, where Venezuelan diplomats demanded an end to U.S. vetoes shielding Israel and called for accountability for war crimes. Venezuela has also endorsed South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

The Venezuelan government’s position reflects a broader shift in Latin American diplomacy, with countries like Brazil, Chile, and Colombia also expressing support for Palestinian statehood and condemning Israeli military actions. Regional blocs are expected to coordinate efforts ahead of the UN vote later this year.

As Netanyahu doubles down on his war objectives, including the elimination of Hamas and the permanent occupation of Gaza, Venezuela warns that such policies will only deepen the crisis and isolate Israel further on the global stage. The statement concludes with a call for peace, justice, and the restoration of Palestinian rights through multilateral action.

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