Australia, Germany, Italy, New Zealand and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s decision to launch a new ground operation aimed at taking full control of Gaza City. The five foreign ministers warned that any large-scale offensive risked breaching international humanitarian law, aggravating an already catastrophic humanitarian situation and further imperiling hostages and civilians. The statement said the proposed advance could trigger mass displacement and deepen the threat of famine in the enclave. It called on Israel to reconsider the plan and urged all parties to agree to an immediate and permanent cease-fire that would allow unimpeded delivery of aid and the release of all hostages. The European Union separately rejected the Israeli plan, echoing concerns that an expanded military campaign would violate legal obligations toward protected populations. The warnings follow last week’s approval by Israel’s security cabinet of a strategy to seize Gaza City as part of its continuing war against Hamas.