United Nations: 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, detailed Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan for “defeating Hamas.” The plan includes disarmament of Hamas, release of hostages, demilitarization of the Gaza Strip, Israeli security control, and establishing an alternative civilian administration. The Israel Defense Forces will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian assistance outside combat zones.
“This is yet another dangerous escalation of the conflict,” Jenca warned, noting the displacement of all civilians from Gaza City by 7 October 2025, affecting 800,000 people. Reports suggest the Israel Defense Forces would surround the city for three months, followed by seizing control of central Gaza’s camps and clearing the area of Palestinian armed groups.
The UN official highlighted the dire humanitarian conditions, stating: “We have frankly run out of words to describe” the situation, emphasizing, “This is no longer a looming hunger crisis - this is starvation pure and simple.” He assured that the UN has plans and systems in place to respond, stressing the importance of allowing humanitarian partners to deliver life-saving services.
In the ensuing discussion, many speakers condemned Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City and urged a reversal of the decision. Algeria’s delegate denounced Israel’s decision to displace the population of Gaza City and Northern Gaza, stating that the operation would annihilate what remains of Gaza. The United Kingdom’s delegate agreed, calling the expansion of Israel’s military operation “not a path to resolution but a path to more bloodshed.”
The Russian Federation’s delegate described Israel’s intentions as “dangerous steps” undermining the prospects for peace in the Middle East. The Republic of Korea’s speaker urged Israel to retract the plan, highlighting the civilian population’s refuge in Gaza City and warning against another round of forced displacement and killings.
Denmark’s delegate deplored the killing of starving civilians trying to get food, calling for transparent investigations into these incidents. France’s delegate urged Israel to allow the UN and humanitarian actors to operate freely and safely, citing “unbearable” images of children dying of hunger.
Greece’s delegate reiterated opposition to any attempts to forcibly displace the Palestinian population, stressing that potential annexation would contravene international law. Slovenia’s delegate questioned the fate of displaced Palestinians and emphasized the responsibility to protect civilians against military onslaughts.
Guyana’s delegate condemned Israel’s actions against the Palestinian people and called on the Council to act, while Pakistan’s delegate accused Israel of a campaign of ethnic cleansing and urged the deployment of an international protection force.
Kuwait’s delegate, representing the Gulf Cooperation Council, called for urgent measures under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter to stop the aggression. Panama’s representative highlighted Gaza’s need for water, medicines, food, and protection rather than more conflict.
China’s representative observed that the Israeli people and hostages’ families wish for a ceasefire and the return of hostages. Senegal’s delegate emphasized opposing Israel’s destructive force with law, while Sierra Leone’s representative highlighted the Arab Peace Initiative’s offer of peace if accompanied by ending occupation.
Iraq’s delegate, speaking for the Arab Group, called for restoring the Palestinian people’s rights, including self-determination and compensation for refugees. Somalia’s representative condemned Israel’s military control plans as a blueprint for devastation, urging for a ceasefire.
The Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine stated that the plan adopted by the recent International High-Level Conference on Palestine foresees the Palestinian Authority resuming its duties in the Gaza Strip. He criticized Israel’s goal as the destruction of the Palestinian people, urging the international community to act.
The United States’ delegate placed responsibility on Hamas for rejecting ceasefire proposals, affirming Israel’s right to security. Israel’s delegate stated that the plan includes establishing a peaceful civil administration and emphasized that the military action is not conquest but liberation from a terror regime.