Urgent meeting convened by the United Nations Security Council over the escalation of the Gaza military operation
The United Nations Security Council has expressed grave concern over Israel's plan for an expanded military operation in Gaza, with top UN officials warning of potential widespread displacement, death, and destruction.
At an emergency meeting requested by the UK, France, Slovenia, Denmark, and Greece, ambassadors to the United Nations met in the Security Council at UN headquarters in New York City on Sunday. The meeting was called to discuss the situation in the Middle East and the Gaza Strip in particular.
Miroslav Jenča, Assistant UN Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas, warned that Israel's plan for an expanded military operation in Gaza might have wide-ranging repercussions. He emphasized that no military solution exists to the conflict and stressed the urgent need for a two-State solution.
UN Chief António Guterres described Israel's planned expansion of military operations as a "dangerous escalation" for the two million civilians trapped in the Gaza enclave and the remaining Israeli hostages still held captive. He urged a permanent ceasefire, unimpeded humanitarian access, and the immediate unconditional release of hostages.
Several world leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have called for a UN “stabilization” mission to protect civilians and disarm Hamas, and demanded a permanent ceasefire through the Security Council. Other leaders, such as those of Australia and the Netherlands, have also pushed for a ceasefire and expressed criticism of the Israeli government's hardline approach.
Israeli families of hostages express deep worry that the offensive could endanger those captives still held in Gaza and are calling for efforts to stop the war. Israel's representative confirmed statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel "has no plans or desire to permanently occupy Gaza." However, the Israeli government appears to be finalizing plans to defeat Hamas operationally, but has not provided a timeline for the population movement.
In response to Israel’s planned expanded military operations in Gaza, the international community, as represented principally at the UN Security Council meeting, is overwhelmingly calling for de-escalation, protection of civilians, and respect for humanitarian law. There is broad concern that the offensive risks severe human suffering and further destabilization in the region.
- The United Nations Security Council, while discussing the situation in the Middle East and the Gaza Strip in particular, is expressing concern over the potential escalation of war-and-conflicts due to Israel's plan for an expanded military operation in Gaza.
- In light of the grave implications of Israel's military plans for the civilians in the Gaza Strip, politics at the UN Security Council are focused on the urgent need for de-escalation, protection of civilians, and adherence to general-news reporting on humanitarian law.
