As the UN issues warnings of a looming ‘calamity’ and global condemnation intensifies, Netanyahu is defending the takeover of Gaza City.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is standing firm on his controversial plan for a military takeover of Gaza City, despite facing mounting international backlash and outrage. United Nations officials warned on Sunday that this move could lead to “another calamity” in the already beleaguered and starving enclave. In a rare press conference with international reporters, Netanyahu argued that this operation to seize what was once Gaza’s largest city, which is met with significant internal and external opposition, is the quickest route to ending the war. “Contrary to the false narratives out there, this is the most effective way to bring the war to a close, and to do it swiftly,” he stated. “This is how we put an end to the conflict.” In the early hours of Friday, Israel’s security cabinet greenlit plans to capture Gaza City, asserting that it aligns with their objectives to dismantle Hamas and free the hostages held in the area. However, this decision has sparked concerns that escalating violence could further jeopardize the captives and exacerbate an already critical humanitarian situation. On Sunday, Israel faced strong condemnation at the UN, with countries like the United Kingdom, Russia, China, and France voicing their firm opposition to Netanyahu’s military strategy for Gaza, which they argue would lead to “further violations of international law.” “If these plans go ahead, they are likely to trigger yet another disaster in Gaza, sending shockwaves throughout the region and resulting in more forced displacements, deaths, and destruction – intensifying the unbearable suffering of the local population,” warned Miroslav Jenča, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas. Hunger-related deaths are on the rise in the enclave, particularly among children suffering from severe malnutrition, Rajasingham reported. Since October 2023, 98 children have tragically lost their lives due to severe acute malnutrition — with 37 of those deaths occurring just since July 1, he informed the security council, referencing health authorities in Gaza. “We’ve honestly run out of words to describe” the humanitarian situation, which “is beyond horrific,” Rajasingham stated. The US is increasingly at odds with its allies regarding Israel. The UK remarked that Israel’s expanded military operation is “not a path to resolution but a path to more bloodshed.” Russia criticized Israel’s intention to place Gaza under the control of its security forces, calling it “dangerous steps that undermine the already fragile prospects for a peaceful settlement to the Middle East conflict.” Countries like Denmark, South Korea, Greece, Slovenia, and Guyana joined the growing chorus of opposition, urging Israel to change its course. “After twenty-two months of forced displacement, starvation, and ethnic cleansing, such an operation would not just devastate Gaza; it would obliterate what little remains of it,” Algeria warned. The United States, which is becoming more isolated on the global stage in its support of Israel’s actions in Gaza, stated it is “working tirelessly” to secure the release of hostages and bring an end to the war. US Ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, accused members of the security council of “actively prolonging the war by spreading falsehoods about Israel” and “granting propaganda victories to terrorists.” “The simple truth is this war could end today if Hamas allowed the hostages and all of Gaza to be freed,” Shea asserted, adding that accusations of genocide against Israel “are politically motivated and completely unfounded.” Netanyahu defends the Gaza plan. His strategy also brings Israel closer to fully occupying Gaza, a move it hasn’t made in nearly 20 years. Israel’s military currently controls about 75% of Gaza after nearly two years of conflict.

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