Discussion at the United Nations Security Council regarding Israel's proposed plans for Gaza; Prime Minister Netanyahu faces domestic pressure as well. - International Council of United Nations deliberates on Israel's strategies concerning Gaza; Netanyahu faces mounting tension
The United Nations Security Council is actively discussing Israel's recent plan to take military control of Gaza City, a move that risks escalating the conflict and worsening the humanitarian crisis. The Council convened an emergency session on August 10, 2025, prompted by Israel’s State Security Cabinet approval of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan for an expanded offensive aiming to disarm Hamas, release hostages, demilitarize the Gaza Strip, and establish Israeli security control along with an alternative civilian administration not linked to Hamas or the Palestinian Authority.
Key points from the Security Council discussions and positions of major actors are:
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres and senior UN officials: UN leaders, including Miroslav Jenča (Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas), warned that Israel’s plan to take over Gaza City could trigger “another horrific chapter” of displacement and suffering, uprooting around 800,000 to one million civilians by early October 2025. This would worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza and destabilize the broader region. They stressed there is no military solution and called for civilian protection, unconditional hostage release, and humanitarian access.
- Germany: As a key European member of the Security Council and aligned with other European countries, Germany supports the emergency briefing and has expressed concern about the escalatory nature of the Israeli plan. European members, including Germany, requested the Security Council meeting to address the consequences of the planned offensive on Gaza’s civilian population.
- Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas: The Palestinian leadership strongly opposes Israel’s plan, viewing it as tantamount to occupation and a grave violation of Palestinian rights. Although direct quotes from Abbas are not in the cited results, the PA rejects the idea of an alternative civilian administration installed by Israel that bypasses PA authority. The PA advocates for a ceasefire and protection of Palestinians’ rights and safety.
- Israel’s stance: Israeli officials deny any intention to permanently occupy Gaza, describing the operation as a "liberation" from terrorist Hamas control. Netanyahu’s government says the plan aims at defeating Hamas militarily, securing hostages’ release, and establishing an alternative civil administration outside both Hamas and PA control.
In summary, the Security Council is urgently debating the severe consequences of Israel’s takeover plan for Gaza City, with the UN warning of grave humanitarian impacts and calls from key players like Germany and the UN Secretary-General for de-escalation and protection of civilians. The Palestinian Authority opposes the plan, while Israel maintains its aim to dismantle Hamas's control of Gaza without a permanent occupation.
The planned offensive has sparked criticism in Israel and internationally due to concerns about worsening conditions for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the safety of hostages. On Saturday, the Hamas-controlled civil defense in the Gaza Strip stated that at least 37 people were killed in Israeli attacks that day, including 30 civilians waiting for humanitarian aid. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has criticized the Israeli plan, describing it as "a new crime."
Netanyahu's office announced a press conference on Sunday at 15:30 CEST, marking his first appearance since the Israeli security cabinet approved a plan to take Gaza by force. The press conference will provide more details about Israel's offensive strategy and its goals in the Gaza Strip.
Note: Some claims, such as those regarding Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's desire for all of Gaza for resettlement and colonization, Hamas's distribution of propaganda videos showing emaciated hostages, and restrictions on media in the Palestinian territory, could not be independently verified for this article. However, these claims are significant and may be further explored in future reporting.
[1] Reuters. (2025, August 10). UN Security Council to discuss Israel's Gaza plans on Sunday. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/un-security-council-discuss-israels-gaza-plans-sunday-requested-several-member-2025-08-10/
[4] Associated Press. (2025, August 10). UN Security Council to discuss Israel's Gaza plans on Sunday. Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/middle-east-israel-gaza-strip-united-nations-palestinian-authority-70cfc48489488a076b180f9e4e7e8b84
[5] Al Jazeera. (2025, August 10). UNSC to discuss Israel's Gaza plans on Sunday. Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/10/unsc-to-discuss-israels-gaza-plans-on-sunday
The Parliament, amidst the ongoing crisis in Gaza, is expected to debate the potential implications of Israel's takeover of Gaza City, as it could exacerbate the conflict and further deteriorate the humanitarian situation. In the realm of global politics and general news, the European Union's stance on this matter remains crucial, as its members, such as Germany, share concerns about the escalatory nature of Israel's plan and the potential impacts on Gaza's civilian population.
