UN official says Israel expanding Gaza operations would risk 'catastrophic consequences'
Assistant Secretary General Miroslav Jenča told the UN Security Council such a move would be "deeply alarming", and could endanger the lives of more Palestinians, as well as Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
Israeli media reported that Netanyahu plans to meet his security cabinet this week.
"The die has been cast. We're going for the full conquest of the Gaza Strip - and defeating Hamas," a senior Israeli official was quoted as saying.
The security cabinet, which is due to meet on Thursday, would need to approve such an action.
It has been suggested the plan could be a negotiating tactic to pressure Hamas after a recent breakdown of ceasefire talks, or an attempt to shore up support from Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners.Asked whether he would support an Israeli plan to reoccupy all of Gaza, US President Donald Trump responded: "That's pretty much going to be up to Israel."Israel has been facing mounting international pressure over the war in Gaza, where experts say famine is unfolding.In his remarks, Jenča warned against any expansion of Israel's military operations."This would risk catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians and could further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages in Gaza," he said.He added that under international law, Gaza "is and must remain an integral part of a future Palestinian state".Israel's military said it already had operational control of 75% of Gaza, but the new plan would reportedly propose occupying the entire region - including areas where more than two million Palestinians now live.The proposals have proved divisive in Israel, with reports the army chief and other military leaders oppose the strategy.The unnamed Israeli official responded by saying: "If that doesn't work for the chief of staff, he should resign."Map showing parts of Gaza under Israeli military control or subject to evacuation ordersThe families of hostages have expressed their fear that such a decision could endanger their loved ones.Israel says 49 hostages are still being held in Gaza, of whom 27 are believed to be dead.Jenča reiterated to the UN Security Council the call for a ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.Citing the "squalid" and "inhumane" conditions faced by Palestinians, he urged Israel to immediately allow the unimpeded passage of sufficient aid."Israel continues to severely restrict humanitarian assistance entering Gaza, and the aid that is permitted to enter is grossly inadequate," Jenča said.He also condemned the ongoing violence at food distribution sites, saying more than 1,200 Palestinians have been killed since the end of May while trying to access food and supplies.Last week, Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry said 154 people including 89 children had died from a lack of food since October 2023.UN agencies have warned there is man-made, mass starvation in Gaza, and reported at least 63 malnutrition-related deaths this month.Israel has previously insisted there are no restrictions on aid deliveries and that there is "no starvation" in Gaza.Israel launched its military offensive in Gaza in response to Hamas's attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others taken to Gaza as hostages.More than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed as a result of Israel's military campaign, according to the territory's health ministry. — BBC
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leaders
33 minutes ago
- Leaders
Italian Politician's Condemnation Goes Viral: ‘This is Hell on Earth'
Italian politician Alessandro Di Battista's blistering condemnation of Gaza's humanitarian crisis has gone viral, amplifying global outrage over Israel's blockade and its catastrophic impact on Palestinian children. The former Five Star Movement firebrand delivered the remarks during an appearance on Italian television, framing Gaza as a man-made 'hell' where starvation and drone strikes systematically target civilians. Di Battista's voice cracked with fury as he described Gaza: Di Battista's voice cracked with fury as he described Gaza: 'Today there is no war between armies. Here there is an enormous population that literally dies of hunger.' The Heart-Wrenching Truth The former Member of Parliament's speech struck a chord as he described the heartbreaking situation faced by children in conflict zones. 'Every day hungry children die,' he lamented, illustrating the dire circumstances that many families endure. He vividly depicted the scene: 'Bombs hit them, and drones follow the children in search of a little flour.' This imagery resonated deeply with viewers, prompting widespread discussion and outrage on social media platforms. The politician's words took a haunting turn as he contemplated the concept of hell. 'I don't know if hell exists, Floris,' he said, addressing the show's host. 'If I had to imagine hell, I would think of 2 million people who are dying of hunger and thirst.' His statement underscored the severity of the crisis, particularly for children. '1 million children, with bombs hitting them,' he continued, painting a vivid picture of despair. A Call to Action Di Battista's speech did not shy away from the uncomfortable truths surrounding the situation. He pointed out the stark contrast between abundance and deprivation: 'With trucks full of food, a few hundred meters from where hungry children die.' His frustration was palpable as he criticized the actions of those in power: 'Israeli soldiers don't let them in.' This poignant observation highlighted the barriers that prevent aid from reaching those in desperate need. In closing, Di Battista delivered a powerful statement that resonated with many viewers. ' This is reality. The rest is bullshit,' he declared, dismissing distractions and emphasizing the urgency of addressing the humanitarian crisis. His passionate plea for compassion and action sparked a wave of support and solidarity across social media, urging people to confront the harsh realities faced by millions. As the video continues to circulate, it serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and the need for collective action in the face of suffering. Di Battista's fiery talk not only captured attention but also ignited a conversation about humanity's responsibility to those in need. Short link : Post Views: 7
Leaders
34 minutes ago
- Leaders
Israeli Professor Declares: 'Israel Has No Right to Exist'
A searing interview with Professor Haim Bresheeth-Zabner, an Israeli filmmaker, photographer, and former scholar at University of East London, has ignited global debate after going viral online. The professor delivered stark condemnations of Israel's foundational principles and Zionist ideology, using powerful, unambiguous language directly challenging the state's legitimacy and identity. Israel's Right to Exist Questioned When asked whether Israel has the right to defend itself, Bresheeth-Zabner did not hold back. 'Israel has no right to be there. Israel has no right to exist because its right to existence is based on denying the right of the Palestinians for self-determination,' he stated emphatically. He continued, 'No one has self-determination if they deny it to others.' Bresheeth-Zabner labeled the actions of the Israeli state as genocidal, urging, 'They should go away from Palestine if they don't want to live in peace with the Palestinians.' The conversation shifted to the religious justification some Israelis use for their claims to the land. Bresheeth-Zabner challenged this notion directly. 'If somebody came to your home and said 2,000 years ago a friend of mine promised me this place and now I want it back, I mean, this is nonsense,' he argued. He described those who support Israel's claim to the land as 'self-colonialists' who took Palestine by force. Defining Jewish Identity The interview also touched on the internal divisions within the Jewish community regarding Zionism. Bresheeth-Zabner responded to claims from some Zionists that Jews who support Palestine are not true Jews. 'I think Zionists are not Jews. They behave in a way that Jews never behaved for 2,000 years,' he asserted. He characterized Zionists as 'racist' and 'anti-Semitic,' stating, 'They commit genocide. This is not Jewish. There's nothing Jewish about what they're doing.' Bresheeth-Zabner expressed his disdain for the actions of the Israeli state, saying, 'They should be ashamed. And if they think we're not Jewish, they mean we're not like them. We're not killing people.' He concluded with a powerful statement: 'We will not join them. We will not support them. We will shame them until they will disappear. They are a shame on Judaism. They are a stain on Judaism.' Professor Haim Bresheeth-Zabner's interview raises critical questions about identity, morality, and the ongoing conflict in the region. His provocative statements challenge both the narrative of Zionism and the broader implications of Israeli policies towards Palestinians. As discussions continue, his words resonate with those advocating for peace and justice in the region. Short link :
Leaders
34 minutes ago
- Leaders
Israeli Professor Declares: "Israel Has No Right to Exist"
A searing interview with Professor Haim Bresheeth-Zabner, an Israeli filmmaker, photographer, and former scholar at University of East London, has ignited global debate after going viral online. The professor delivered stark condemnations of Israel's foundational principles and Zionist ideology, using powerful, unambiguous language directly challenging the state's legitimacy and identity. Israel's Right to Exist Questioned When asked whether Israel has the right to defend itself, Bresheeth-Zabner did not hold back. 'Israel has no right to be there. Israel has no right to exist because its right to existence is based on denying the right of the Palestinians for self-determination,' he stated emphatically. He continued, 'No one has self-determination if they deny it to others.' Bresheeth-Zabner labeled the actions of the Israeli state as genocidal, urging, 'They should go away from Palestine if they don't want to live in peace with the Palestinians.' The conversation shifted to the religious justification some Israelis use for their claims to the land. Bresheeth-Zabner challenged this notion directly. 'If somebody came to your home and said 2,000 years ago a friend of mine promised me this place and now I want it back, I mean, this is nonsense,' he argued. He described those who support Israel's claim to the land as 'self-colonialists' who took Palestine by force. @ ♬ original sound – المترجم العربي – المترجم العربي Defining Jewish Identity The interview also touched on the internal divisions within the Jewish community regarding Zionism. Bresheeth-Zabner responded to claims from some Zionists that Jews who support Palestine are not true Jews. 'I think Zionists are not Jews. They behave in a way that Jews never behaved for 2,000 years,' he asserted. He characterized Zionists as 'racist' and 'anti-Semitic,' stating, 'They commit genocide. This is not Jewish. There's nothing Jewish about what they're doing.' Bresheeth-Zabner expressed his disdain for the actions of the Israeli state, saying, 'They should be ashamed. And if they think we're not Jewish, they mean we're not like them. We're not killing people.' He concluded with a powerful statement: 'We will not join them. We will not support them. We will shame them until they will disappear. They are a shame on Judaism. They are a stain on Judaism.' Professor Haim Bresheeth-Zabner's interview raises critical questions about identity, morality, and the ongoing conflict in the region. His provocative statements challenge both the narrative of Zionism and the broader implications of Israeli policies towards Palestinians. As discussions continue, his words resonate with those advocating for peace and justice in the region. Short link : Post Views: 45
