United Nations: Israel’s recent decision to take control of Gaza City has sparked significant warnings from the United Nations, with a senior official cautioning that this move could ignite “another horrific chapter” in the ongoing conflict. During an emergency session of the Security Council, delegates emphasized that this escalation could displace a million people and worsen an already dire humanitarian crisis.
According to EMM, Miroslav Jenca, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and Americas, outlined the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategy for “defeating Hamas.” This plan involves disarming Hamas, releasing hostages, demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, imposing Israeli security control, and establishing a civilian administration independent of Hamas or the Palestinian Authority. Additionally, the Israel Defense Forces are set to take over Gaza City while offering humanitarian aid in non-combat areas.
Jenca expressed concern over this escalation, noting Israel’s intention to displace all civilians from Gaza City by October 2025. This plan could affect approximately 800,000 people, many of whom have been displaced before. Reports suggest that the Israel Defense Forces would encircle the city for three months, followed by a two-month operation to seize central Gaza’s camps and eliminate armed Palestinian groups.
In the session, numerous speakers condemned Israel’s plan. Algeria’s delegate denounced the decision to displace Gaza’s population and impose military control over the Strip, describing it as a path to more bloodshed. The United Kingdom and the Russian Federation echoed these concerns, with Russia calling Israel’s actions “dangerous steps” that undermine peace prospects.
The Republic of Korea and Denmark also urged Israel to reconsider, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact. France emphasized the need for UN humanitarian interventions, while Greece stressed that annexation would violate international law.
Delegates from Slovenia, Guyana, and Pakistan raised concerns about the humanitarian cost and called for deploying an international protection force to safeguard Gaza’s population. Kuwait, representing the Gulf Cooperation Council, demanded urgent measures under the United Nations Charter to halt the aggression.
Panama’s representative, acting as the Council President for August, highlighted the need for essential supplies and protection for Gazans, while China’s delegate called for a ceasefire and hostages’ return.
Senegal and Sierra Leone emphasized the need for a lawful response to Israel’s military action, while Iraq reiterated the Palestinian people’s rights to self-determination and compensation for refugees.
Somalia’s representative described Israel’s military intentions as a chilling blueprint for devastation and urged for a permanent ceasefire, warning that silence is not neutrality.
The Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine argued that a conference plan foresees the Palestinian Authority resuming its role in Gaza with international support. He criticized Israel’s goal of destroying the Palestinian people to annex their land and urged the international community to act decisively.
Conversely, the United States’ delegate attributed responsibility to Hamas, rejecting genocide accusations as propaganda. Israel’s delegate defended the takeover as a liberation from a terror regime, emphasizing that Israel has no plans to permanently occupy Gaza but aims to dismantle Hamas and prevent future atrocities.