A senior United Nations official has cautioned against Israel’s reported plans to fully reoccupy the Gaza Strip, warning that such a move could have “catastrophic consequences” for Palestinians and endanger remaining Israeli hostages.
Assistant Secretary General Miroslav Jenča issued the warning during a United Nations Security Council meeting, expressing concern over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s reported push for full military control of Gaza. According to Israeli media, Netanyahu plans to meet with his security cabinet this week to seek approval for the strategy.
“The die has been cast. We’re going for the full conquest of the Gaza Strip – and defeating Hamas,” one senior Israeli official was quoted as saying. However, the proposal has reportedly divided Israeli leadership, with army chiefs said to oppose the move. A response from an unnamed government official was blunt: “If that doesn’t work for the chief of staff, he should resign.”
Jenča said the proposed expansion would not only worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where famine conditions are unfolding, but also jeopardize the lives of the estimated 20 living Israeli hostages held by Hamas. He reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen, with UN agencies warning of man-made famine. Over 1,200 Palestinians have reportedly been killed since May while trying to access food. Gaza’s health ministry states more than 60,000 people have been killed since the war began in October 2023, and 154 have died from hunger, including 89 children.
Jenča accused Israel of severely limiting humanitarian access, calling the aid permitted into Gaza “grossly inadequate.” He urged Israel to allow unimpeded flow of supplies, citing “squalid and inhumane” conditions.
Israel launched its offensive following Hamas’s October 7 attack that killed around 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages. Israel maintains it does not restrict aid and denies there is starvation in Gaza.
