Gaza Herald- The UN Security Council (UNSC) will convene an emergency session to discuss Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza City.
The Israeli government’s decision to take control of Gaza, authorized despite opposition from military leaders, has provoked widespread international condemnation.
On Friday, Israel’s Security Cabinet expressed acceptance of the plan, which was met with international criticism. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the plan as a “dangerous escalation” in the 22-month war in the Gaza Strip.
Denmark, France, Greece, the United Kingdom, and Slovenia have decided to convene a meeting in New York at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) / 14:00 (GMT). The UN Security Council stated that all members agreed to attend the meeting, except for the United States.
UN rapporteurs expect the coming potential dire consequences of Israeli control over Gaza, calling on countries to pressure Israel to replace this plan with a ceasefire.
In a joint statement, Germany, the UK, Italy, New Zealand, and Australia rejected Israel’s plan, confirming that it would worsen the humanitarian crisis, endanger the lives of captives, and lead to more bloodshed.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the necessity of a ceasefire, the release of all captives, and “immediate and unhindered access” for humanitarian aid in Gaza. She added that “the Israeli government’s decision to further extend its military operation in Gaza must be reconsidered.”
In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said, “This action will do nothing to bring an end to this conflict or to help secure the release of the hostages,” adding that it would “only bring more bloodshed.”
Netanyahu earlier said that he intended to take control over Gaza, asserting that he intended to crush Hamas’ command structure.
Israel’s Security Cabinet has approved a plan allowing Palestinians until October 7, 2025, to evacuate Gaza City—a symbolic two-month window marking the second anniversary of the October 7 event. After that date, the IDF will initiate a ground assault to encircle the area, ‘eliminate’ remaining Hamas fighters, and then proceed into the rest of Gaza.
Roughly over one million Palestinians, many of whom have already been displaced several times throughout the 22-month war, currently reside in Gaza City, in northern Gaza.
