New York: Israel’s latest decision to take over Gaza City risks “igniting another horrific chapter” in the conflict, a senior United Nations official said during an emergency Security Council session today, as delegates warned that this escalation will uproot a million people and exacerbate an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis.
According to EMM, Miroslav Jenca, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and Americas, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, highlighted Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan for “defeating Hamas,” which includes disarmament of Hamas, release of all hostages, demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, Israeli security control over the Strip, and the establishment of an alternative civilian administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority. The Israel Defense Forces will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian assistance outside combat zones.
Jenca expressed concern over this escalation, warning that Israel expects to displace all civilians from Gaza City by October 2025, affecting approximately 800,000 people, many of whom are already displaced. Reports indicate a potential three-month siege of the city by the Israel Defense Forces, followed by a two-month operation to seize control of central Gaza’s camps and clear out Palestinian armed groups. He emphasized the dire humanitarian conditions, stating that the crisis has reached the point of starvation.
In the subsequent discussion, several delegates condemned Israel’s plan and urged a reversal of the decision. Algeria’s delegate criticized the displacement and military control, while the United Kingdom’s delegate described the operation as a “path to more bloodshed.” The Russian Federation warned that Israel’s actions undermine potential peaceful resolutions in the Middle East.
Calls for Israel to retract its plan were echoed by the Republic of Korea and Denmark, with Denmark highlighting famine-like conditions and urging investigations into civilian incidents. France’s delegate urged Israel to allow UN and humanitarian actors to operate freely, while Greece’s delegate stated that forced displacement and annexation violate international law.
The discussion also saw calls for the deployment of an international protection force. Pakistan’s delegate described Israel’s plan as an ethnic cleansing campaign and emphasized accountability. Kuwait, representing the Gulf Cooperation Council, urged action under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter to stop the aggression. Panama’s representative, Council President for August, stressed the need for humanitarian aid over military action.
The representative of Sierra Leone emphasized that genuine normalization requires an end to occupation and realization of Palestinian statehood. Iraq’s delegate, for the Arab Group, called for restoring Palestinian rights, including self-determination and refugee compensation. Somalia’s representative warned of the devastating impact of military control over Gaza, urging a permanent ceasefire.
The Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine criticized Israel’s intentions, arguing that the destruction of the Palestinian people through forced transfer and annexation is the goal. In contrast, the United States’ delegate placed responsibility on Hamas, rejecting accusations against Israel as politically motivated. Israel’s delegate asserted that the operation aims to establish a peaceful civil administration, stressing that it is not a conquest but liberation from a terror regime.
