A senior United Nations official has warned of “catastrophic consequences” should Israel move forward with plans to fully reoccupy the Gaza Strip, amid reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for a complete military takeover of the territory.
Addressing the UN Security Council on Wednesday, Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča described the potential expansion of Israeli operations in Gaza as “deeply alarming,” warning it could escalate the already dire humanitarian crisis and endanger the lives of both Palestinian civilians and Israeli hostages.
“This would risk catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians and could further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages in Gaza,” Jenča said.
The warning comes as Israeli media report that Netanyahu intends to present a new plan for “the full conquest of the Gaza Strip” during a security cabinet meeting on Thursday.
“The die has been cast. We’re going for the full conquest of the Gaza Strip – and defeating Hamas,” a senior Israeli official was quoted as saying.
According to Israeli military sources, the country’s armed forces already claim operational control of 75% of Gaza. However, the new proposal would reportedly extend that control to the entire region, including areas where over two million Palestinians live.
While supporters within Netanyahu’s far-right coalition back the plan, it has stirred division within Israel’s leadership. Reports indicate that top military officials, including the army chief, are opposed to the strategy. In response to the military’s reported resistance, the unnamed senior Israeli official said: “If that doesn’t work for the chief of staff, he should resign.”
Some analysts suggest the proposal may be a political manoeuvre aimed at pressuring Hamas following the collapse of ceasefire talks, or a tactic to appease Netanyahu’s hardline allies.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, when asked about the proposal, offered a noncommittal stance: “That’s pretty much going to be up to Israel.”
The families of hostages still held by Hamas have voiced concern that a full-scale ground operation could place their loved ones in greater danger. Israel says 49 hostages remain in Gaza, of whom 27 are believed to have died.
Jenča echoed those fears, calling once again for a ceasefire and the immediate, unconditional release of all hostages. He also urged Israel to facilitate humanitarian relief for Gaza’s civilian population.
“Israel continues to severely restrict humanitarian assistance entering Gaza, and the aid that is permitted to enter is grossly inadequate,” he said. “The squalid and inhumane conditions in Gaza demand urgent attention.”
Since the end of May, more than 1,200 Palestinians have been killed while trying to access food at distribution points, Jenča said. The UN also reported that 63 people have died from malnutrition-related causes in July alone. Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry said last week that 154 people – including 89 children – have died from hunger since October 2023.
“Under international law, Gaza is and must remain an integral part of a future Palestinian state,” Jenča added, highlighting the broader implications of any long-term reoccupation.
Israel’s war in Gaza was triggered by Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a wide-scale military campaign that has since killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry.
Chioma Kalu
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