United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced deep concern over Israel’s latest decision to “take control of Gaza City,” warning that the move risks intensifying the already dire humanitarian crisis in the region and could lead to catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians.
Guterres: Decision Marks a Dangerous Escalation
In a strongly worded statement released on Friday, Guterres described Israel’s decision as a “dangerous escalation” that threatens to deepen the suffering in Gaza and endanger additional lives, including those of the remaining hostages.
“Palestinians in Gaza continue to endure a humanitarian catastrophe of horrific proportions,” the UN chief said. “This further escalation will result in additional forced displacement, killings, and massive destruction, compounding the unimaginable suffering of the Palestinian population in Gaza.”
He reiterated his urgent call for:
- A permanent ceasefire
- Unimpeded humanitarian access across the Gaza Strip
- The immediate and unconditional release of all hostages
Guterres also reminded Israel of its obligations under international law, referring to the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) Advisory Opinion of July 19, 2024, which called on Israel to halt all new settlement activity, evacuate settlers from the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and end its unlawful presence there.
Israel’s Security Cabinet Backs Netanyahu’s Proposal
The warnings from the UN came shortly after Israel’s security cabinet approved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to occupy Gaza City — a move framed by the Israeli government as part of its strategy to defeat Hamas.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the cabinet endorsed five guiding principles for ending the conflict:
- Disarmament of Hamas
- Return of all 50 remaining hostages (20 believed to be alive)
- Demilitarization of the Gaza Strip
- Israeli security control over the Gaza Strip
- Creation of an alternative civilian government not led by Hamas or the Palestinian Authority
The PMO also stated that humanitarian aid will be provided to civilians outside combat zones.
Internal Israeli Debate Over the Plan
Reports from The Times of Israel suggest that not all Israeli officials support the move. IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir has reportedly opposed the occupation plan, warning that it could worsen the humanitarian disaster and jeopardize the lives of hostages.
It is also unclear why the cabinet statement only specifies the occupation of Gaza City, rather than the entire Gaza Strip, despite Netanyahu’s earlier comments about a broader takeover. Gaza City remains part of the 25% of the territory still not under full Israeli control, along with several central refugee camps.
International Law and the Two-State Solution
Guterres stressed that there can be “no sustainable solution” to the conflict without ending what he termed the unlawful occupation and achieving a viable two-state solution. He reaffirmed that Gaza must remain an integral part of a Palestinian state.
The ICJ’s ruling has added weight to international calls for Israel to change course, warning that prolonged military occupation and settlement expansion are incompatible with international law.
Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
The humanitarian conditions in Gaza have been described by aid agencies as catastrophic. Severe shortages of food, water, medicine, and shelter have been compounded by ongoing fighting and displacement. According to UN estimates, the conflict has displaced millions of Palestinians and left entire neighbourhoods in ruins.
Humanitarian organisations fear that a full-scale military push into Gaza City will exacerbate the crisis, further limiting access for aid workers and medical teams.
Conclusion
As Israel moves forward with its plan to seize Gaza City, global attention is now focused on whether diplomatic efforts can prevent further escalation. While Netanyahu’s government insists the move is necessary to defeat Hamas, the United Nations and many world leaders warn that the strategy could ignite a deeper and more prolonged conflict — with devastating consequences for civilians on both sides.
Whether the August 2025 developments will open a new chapter in the Gaza war or push the region closer to a negotiated settlement remains uncertain. For now, the UN’s calls for restraint, humanitarian access, and a two-state solution continue to clash with Israel’s military ambitions.
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