United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday strongly condemned Israel’s decision to take control of Gaza City, following a late-night approval from the country’s security cabinet on Thursday.
In a statement released through his spokesperson, the UN chief warned that the operation:
“Risks deepening the already catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians, and could further endanger more lives, including those of the remaining hostages.”
Guterres Warns of Mass Displacement and Destruction
UN Associate Spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay echoed Guterres’ grave concerns, stating:
“An Israeli offensive will result in additional forced displacement, killings and massive destruction, compounding the unimaginable suffering of the Palestinian population in Gaza.”
The UN Secretary-General used the opportunity to reiterate his urgent appeal for a ceasefire to prevent further humanitarian collapse.
UN Calls for Compliance with ICJ Ruling
Guterres also urged Israel to comply with the July 2024 advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which called for an end to Israel’s:
“Unlawful presence in Palestinian territory, including Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem,” Tremblay told reporters at the UN headquarters on Friday.
Israel’s Gaza Takeover Plan Sparks Global Alarm
According to the Israeli government, the planned operation aims to “defeat Hamas” — nearly two years into a war that has killed tens of thousands of Gazans and triggered UN famine warnings.
The security cabinet approved the takeover plan early Friday, despite international outcry and domestic fears for the fate of remaining hostages. The move could displace up to 1 million Palestinians currently residing in Gaza City.
In an interview with Fox News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the plan stops short of full control. He stated:
“We’ll hand it over to Arab forces that will govern it properly, without threatening us, and giving the Gazans a good life.”
A symbolic deadline of October 7 has been set to complete preparations — marking two years since Hamas triggered the conflict with a deadly attack on Israel, killing 1,200 and abducting 250, according to Israeli media.
