Gaza Takeover: A 'Horrific Chapter' Looms, UN Warns

An emergency session of the United Nations Security Council took place on Sunday Aug 10th in New York, as officials and delegates debate Israel's planned takeover of Gaza City.

By: ATN News

UNHQ, New York – An emergency session of the UN Security Council on Sunday saw a stark warning from senior UN officials and a chorus of condemnation from member states regarding Israel's new plan to take control of Gaza City. Officials cautioned that the escalation could displace hundreds of thousands of people and deepen an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis, while Israel's delegate defended the move as "liberation" from a "terror regime."

Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas, told the council that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's plan, which includes Israeli security control over the Gaza Strip and a civilian administration that is neither Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority, is a "dangerous escalation." He detailed a timeline that foresees the displacement of some 800,000 people from Gaza City by October 7, 2025, followed by a three-month siege and subsequent two-month operation to clear the area of Palestinian armed groups. Jenča warned that the implementation of these plans would "likely trigger another calamity in Gaza, reverberating across the region and causing further forced displacement, killings, and destruction."

The humanitarian situation, as described by Ramesh Rajasingham of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, is "beyond horrific." He stated that the enclave is facing "starvation pure and simple," a situation compounded by Israel's decision to expand military operations. Rajasingham cited figures from Gaza's Ministry of Health, reporting that over 61,000 people have been killed, including more than 18,000 children, and 151,000 have been injured. He also noted that 50 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza under "unthinkably inhumane and appalling conditions."

The overwhelming majority of delegates spoke out against Israel's plan. Algeria's representative asserted that the operation would "annihilate what remains" of Gaza, while the United Kingdom and the Russian Federation warned of "more bloodshed" and an undermining of peace prospects. Denmark's delegate deplored the killing of starving civilians, a sentiment echoed by France's representative, who called for transparent investigations and unimpeded humanitarian access. Pakistan and Kuwait called for an international protection force and binding measures under Chapter VII of the UN Charter to stop the "brutal aggression." Slovenia's delegate highlighted the plight of the one million people in Gaza City who would be "displaced once more, chased from corner to corner."

In response, Israel's delegate said the plan was guided by five principles, including the demilitarization of the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages. He denied any intention to permanently occupy Gaza, describing the operation as a "liberation" from a "terror regime." The United States' delegate provided support for Israel, stating that the responsibility for the conflict lies with Hamas and that Israel has a right to its security. She dismissed accusations of genocide as "politically motivated and categorically false."

The meeting concluded with a call for a full, immediate, and permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages, and a renewed commitment to a two-state solution. Representatives from Iraq and Somalia emphasized that a lasting peace is contingent upon an end to the occupation and the restoration of the Palestinian people's rights, including self-determination and the right to return.