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A senior United Nations official has cautioned that Israel’s intention to take control of Gaza City could spark “another calamity” with severe humanitarian and regional repercussions. The warning came during a rare emergency weekend meeting of the UN Security Council, convened after Israel’s security cabinet, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, approved the controversial plan.
UN Assistant Secretary Miroslav Jenca told the Council that if enacted, the plan would likely cause further mass displacement, civilian deaths, and widespread destruction in Gaza. Slovenia’s UN ambassador, Samuel Zbogar, speaking for the five European members of the Council, argued the move would neither help secure the release of hostages nor improve their safety, and would only deepen Gaza’s already dire humanitarian crisis.
Netanyahu, however, insisted that Israel’s aim was not to occupy the territory and that the plan was tied to a “fairly short timetable” intended to bring the war to a close.
The Palestinian ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, criticised the move as running counter to international consensus, while Israel’s envoy Danny Danon stressed the country’s determination to secure the release of all hostages and ensure the safety of its citizens.
The United States, a permanent member of the Security Council, is expected to shield Israel from any binding UN action over the issue.
