The United Arab Emirates has condemned Israel’s latest plans to occupy the Gaza Strip.

In a statement issued on Friday, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that this decision would lead to “catastrophic consequences,” including further loss of life and a worsening of the already existing humanitarian crisis.

The statement further called on the international community, the United Nations and the UN Security Council, to fulfill their responsibilities and put and end to such “illegal practices,” stressing that upholding the rights of the Palestinian people is a “moral, humanitarian, and legal imperative.”

Moreover, it underscored the UAE’s categorical rejection of any infringement on the Palestinians’ rights or any attempts at displacement.

On Thursday, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to take full control of Gaza City that were sanctioned by his cabinet.

The decision sparked international backlash and condemnation.