A senior UN official has warned that Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City could spark “another calamity” with regional repercussions.
As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted the move would not amount to an occupation. The UN Security Council convened an emergency weekend session after Netanyahu’s security cabinet approved the controversial plan, prompting global criticism.
“If these plans are implemented, they will likely trigger further forced displacement, killings, and destruction, worsening the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza,” UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča told the council. Speaking for the five European members of the Security Council, Slovenia’s ambassador Samuel Žbogar said the move would neither help secure the release of hostages nor improve security. “It risks further endangering their lives,” he added.
Netanyahu said the operation would be limited in duration, aiming to “bring the war to an end” while maintaining Israel’s commitment to free hostages and protect its citizens. Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour condemned the plan as a “total contradiction” to international consensus, while the United States signalled it would block any punitive UN action against Israel.
Israel’s UN envoy Danny Danon reiterated that “ensuring the safety and security of our citizens” remained the country’s top priority.
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