UN warns of catastrophic fallout if Israel expands Gaza assault
The United Nations has expressed grave concern over reports that Israel may expand its military operations across the entire Gaza Strip, warning that such a move could have catastrophic consequences for civilians already enduring immense suffering.
Addressing a UN Security Council session on Tuesday, Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča said any further escalation 'would risk catastrophic consequences' and could endanger the lives of the remaining hostages. He added that international law is unequivocal: 'Gaza is and must remain an integral part of the future Palestinian state.'
The comments follow Israeli media reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met senior security officials to finalise a new war strategy, reportedly favouring a full military takeover of Gaza—a move likely to escalate an already devastating humanitarian crisis.
China's deputy UN envoy, Geng Shuang, echoed the alarm, urging Israel to 'immediately halt such dangerous actions.' He called for an immediate ceasefire and pressed countries with influence to take meaningful steps to stop the violence.
Ahead of the session, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticised countries pushing for the recognition of Palestinian statehood, claiming their actions had 'assassinated' a potential ceasefire and hostage deal. His remarks came as France, Canada, and the UK announced plans to recognise Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September—unless Israel makes concrete moves to end the suffering in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the United States dismissed a UN-hosted ministerial conference that called for a renewed focus on a two-state solution as 'an unproductive publicity stunt.' US Deputy Ambassador Dorothy Shea claimed it had undermined ongoing mediation efforts.
The humanitarian toll remains staggering. Gaza has endured months of continuous bombardment, mass displacement, and critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Rights groups have warned of growing famine-like conditions and the collapse of essential infrastructure.
In a deeply emotional plea, Ilay David, the brother of an Israeli hostage recently shown in a Hamas-released video, addressed the Security Council and urged immediate international action. He called for the release of hostages and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza.
Observers warn that any large-scale military expansion would deepen the humanitarian crisis and risk further violations of international law, which prohibits collective punishment and requires the protection of civilians—even in armed conflict.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libyan Express
2 days ago
- Libyan Express
Acting FM Al-Baour pushes forward Libya–Spain cooperation
BY Libyan Express Aug 07, 2025 - 07:14 Updated: Aug 08, 2025 - 07:17 Foreign minister Al-Baour underscores Libya's openness in meeting with Spanish envoy Libya's Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Taher Al-Baour, met on Wednesday with Spanish Ambassador Javier Lara to discuss deepening bilateral ties between Tripoli and Madrid. The meeting, held at the Ministry's headquarters in the capital, was also attended by Abu Bakr Al-Taweel, Director of the European Affairs Department. Discussions centered on expanding cooperation across key sectors and aligning future initiatives with the shared interests of both countries. Al-Baour praised Spain's continued diplomatic engagement in Libya and acknowledged its support for the UN-led political process. He reaffirmed the Government of National Unity's commitment to building stronger economic and political partnerships with Madrid. Ambassador Lara expressed Spain's readiness to strengthen cooperation and contribute to Libya's efforts toward political stability and development. He reiterated Spain's interest in maintaining close diplomatic coordination as Libya seeks to restore institutional unity and attract international investment. The meeting comes amid ongoing outreach by the Foreign Ministry to strengthen engagement with accredited diplomatic missions and foster broader international cooperation. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Libyan Express
3 days ago
- Libyan Express
Menfi, Guterres confer on Libya during UN development summit
BY Libyan Express Aug 06, 2025 - 10:56 Menfi participates in high-level UN talks on development and cooperation President of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohamed Menfi, held a meeting with UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday to discuss the latest political and security situation in Libya. The discussion focused on ways to push forward the political process, with the aim of achieving stability and holding inclusive national elections, according to a statement from the Presidential Council's media office. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries, hosted in Avaza, Turkmenistan. Menfi is participating in the conference, which is being held under the UN's auspices following a General Assembly resolution adopted in April, supported by 57 member states. The high-level conference brings together over 1,000 participants, including world leaders, ministers, and development experts. The event aims to explore practical strategies to improve regional cooperation, boost trade and infrastructure connectivity, and ensure fair and sustainable development—issues that are particularly relevant to Libya's long-term recovery and integration into the global economy. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express. How to submit an Op-Ed: Libyan Express accepts opinion articles on a wide range of topics. Submissions may be sent to oped@ Please include 'Op-Ed' in the subject line.
Libyan Express
4 days ago
- Libyan Express
UN warns of catastrophic fallout if Israel expands Gaza assault
Jenca: Gaza is and must remain an integral part of the future Palestinian state The United Nations has expressed grave concern over reports that Israel may expand its military operations across the entire Gaza Strip, warning that such a move could have catastrophic consequences for civilians already enduring immense suffering. Addressing a UN Security Council session on Tuesday, Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča said any further escalation 'would risk catastrophic consequences' and could endanger the lives of the remaining hostages. He added that international law is unequivocal: 'Gaza is and must remain an integral part of the future Palestinian state.' The comments follow Israeli media reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met senior security officials to finalise a new war strategy, reportedly favouring a full military takeover of Gaza—a move likely to escalate an already devastating humanitarian crisis. China's deputy UN envoy, Geng Shuang, echoed the alarm, urging Israel to 'immediately halt such dangerous actions.' He called for an immediate ceasefire and pressed countries with influence to take meaningful steps to stop the violence. Ahead of the session, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticised countries pushing for the recognition of Palestinian statehood, claiming their actions had 'assassinated' a potential ceasefire and hostage deal. His remarks came as France, Canada, and the UK announced plans to recognise Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September—unless Israel makes concrete moves to end the suffering in Gaza. Meanwhile, the United States dismissed a UN-hosted ministerial conference that called for a renewed focus on a two-state solution as 'an unproductive publicity stunt.' US Deputy Ambassador Dorothy Shea claimed it had undermined ongoing mediation efforts. The humanitarian toll remains staggering. Gaza has endured months of continuous bombardment, mass displacement, and critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Rights groups have warned of growing famine-like conditions and the collapse of essential infrastructure. In a deeply emotional plea, Ilay David, the brother of an Israeli hostage recently shown in a Hamas-released video, addressed the Security Council and urged immediate international action. He called for the release of hostages and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza. Observers warn that any large-scale military expansion would deepen the humanitarian crisis and risk further violations of international law, which prohibits collective punishment and requires the protection of civilians—even in armed conflict.
