The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) convened an emergency session on Sunday, sharply criticizing Israel's proposed military takeover of Gaza City as a potential catalyst for mass displacement and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Senior UN official Miroslav Jenca warned the plan risks triggering "another calamity" in the war-torn enclave.
UN Sounds Alarm Over Gaza Escalation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy includes disarming Hamas, securing hostage releases, and establishing a new civilian administration in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would assume control of Gaza City while coordinating humanitarian aid outside conflict zones. Jenca cautioned that the plan could displace up to 800,000 residents by early October, many already displaced multiple times since hostilities began.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
UN officials revealed a phased military approach: a three-month encirclement of Gaza City followed by two months of operations targeting central Gaza camps. Delegates emphasized that such actions would exacerbate food insecurity, healthcare collapse, and infrastructure damage in a region where 85% of the population relies on aid. The proposed timeline coincides with winter, raising concerns about exposure-related deaths.
While Israel maintains the operation aims to dismantle militant networks, humanitarian organizations stress the need for protected civilian corridors. The UNSC session concluded without a resolution, but multiple members urged third-party mediation to prevent further escalation.
