UN official warns Israel Gaza plan could spark fresh disaster

UN Security Council Convenes Emergency Session on Gaza Crisis

Key Warning from UN Assistant Secretary General

UN Assistant Secretary General Miroslav Jenca issued a stark caution to the Security Council that Israel’s strategy to “take control” of Gaza City is likely to spark “another calamity” with far‑reaching regional repercussions. Jenca emphasized that the approach could trigger additional forced displacement, intensified killings, and widespread destruction across the territory.

Israel’s Political Rationale and Recent Statements

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that his objective is not to occupy Gaza but to bring the war to an end within a “fairly short timetable.”
• Israel’s UN ambassador Danny Danon underscored that the nation will not cease fighting until all hostages are released, asserting that protecting Israeli citizens is a duty.

International Reactions and Allied Positions

Britain, a close ally of Israel, pushed for the emergency meeting and warned that the Israeli plan could prolong the conflict, deepening suffering for Palestinian civilians in Gaza. British deputy ambassador James Kariuki urged that the plan would lead to more bloodshed and is not a path to resolution.

Outcome and Continuing Debate

The United States, a veto‑bearing permanent member of the Security Council, is expected to defend its steadfast ally Israel against UN sanctions. Amid the meeting, a small but noisy protest calling for an end to the conflict was met by a substantial police presence outside the UN headquarters in New York.

Palestinian Perspective

Palestinian ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour described the escalation by the Israeli government as “completely contradictory to the will of the international community.”

Summary

In short, the UN Security Council’s rare emergency weekend meeting underscored a growing global concern that Israel’s planned occupation of Gaza City could precipitate a “calamity” with lasting regional consequences, while the United States remains poised to shield Israel from any practical UN censure.