The UN cautions against Israel's plans for a full reoccupation of Gaza, which could lead to severe humanitarian crises and increased violence.
UN Warns of Catastrophic Consequences if Israel Expands Gaza Military Operations
UN Warns of Catastrophic Consequences if Israel Expands Gaza Military Operations
A UN official raises alarms over potential escalation in Gaza, citing risks to civilians and hostages.
A senior United Nations representative has issued a stark warning regarding Israel's potential military escalation in Gaza, cautioning that such a move could yield "catastrophic consequences." Assistant Secretary General Miroslav Jenča addressed the UN Security Council, asserting the seriousness of reports indicating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's intentions for a complete reoccupation of the region. Jenča characterized this prospect as "deeply alarming," highlighting the potential threat to the lives of both Palestinian residents and Israeli hostages currently held by Hamas.
Israeli news sources have suggested that Netanyahu, facing international scrutiny over the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, is set to convene his security cabinet this week to discuss the proposed military action. A senior Israeli official was quoted saying, "The die has been cast. We're going for the full conquest of the Gaza Strip and defeating Hamas." This plan, however, could be interpreted as a negotiating strategy to regain leverage after the collapse of ceasefire discussions or an effort to solidify backing from Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners.
Jenča's address comes at a time when the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated substantially, with shocking images emerging that reveal widespread suffering from starvation and malnutrition among Palestinians. He asserted that escalating military operations would not only worsen the humanitarian crisis but also jeopardize the safety of hostages, with recent reports estimating that 20 out of 50 hostages are believed to still be alive.
Stressing the importance of preserving Gaza as an integral part of a future Palestinian state, Jenča called for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. He criticized the severe restrictions on humanitarian aid flow into Gaza, asserting that the limited assistance allowed remains grossly inadequate.
Furthermore, he condemned the ongoing violence witnessed at food distribution sites, where over 1,200 Palestinians have reportedly died since late May while attempting to access essential supplies. Recent data from Hamas's health ministry revealed that since October 2023, famine-related deaths have claimed the lives of 154 individuals in Gaza, including 89 children, amid declarations of mass starvation.
This military escalation follows Israel's operation initiated in response to Hamas's attack on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken into Gaza. As discussions unfold within Israel regarding the future of Gaza, experts and UN agencies continue to sound alarms about the humanitarian ramifications of the ongoing conflict.
