A senior United Nations official has issued a stark warning against Israel’s reported plans to fully reoccupy the Gaza Strip, saying such a move would have “catastrophic consequences” for millions of Palestinians and further jeopardize the lives of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas.
Speaking at a UN Security Council meeting, Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča said any escalation in Israel’s military operations would be “deeply alarming.” His remarks come amid reports that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for the “full conquest” of Gaza.
According to Israeli media, Netanyahu will present the plan to his security cabinet on Thursday. A senior Israeli official was quoted as saying, “The die has been cast. We’re going for the full conquest of the Gaza Strip – and defeating Hamas.”
The proposal would see Israeli forces extend control over all of Gaza, including areas still populated by over two million Palestinians. While the military already claims operational control of about 75% of the territory, this move would mark a significant escalation.
Some analysts suggest the reoccupation plan may be a hardline bargaining chip following the collapse of ceasefire negotiations, or a political tactic aimed at satisfying Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners. However, the idea has sparked internal divisions, with reports that top military leaders, including the army chief of staff, oppose it. One anonymous official brushed off such dissent, saying, “If that doesn’t work for the chief of staff, he should resign.”
The families of Israeli hostages have voiced alarm, fearing that expanded military operations could place their loved ones—20 of whom are believed to still be alive in Gaza—in even greater danger.
Jenča reiterated the UN’s call for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. He also emphasized that, under international law, Gaza “is and must remain an integral part of a future Palestinian state.”
He condemned the worsening humanitarian crisis, noting that more than 1,200 Palestinians have been killed since May while attempting to access food and supplies. Citing UN data, Jenča said Israel continues to severely restrict humanitarian aid, and what little is allowed in is “grossly inadequate.”
Since the start of the conflict in October 2023—triggered by Hamas’s deadly attack on southern Israel that killed around 1,200 people and led to 251 hostages being taken—the humanitarian situation in Gaza has sharply deteriorated. Gaza’s health ministry reports that over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive, with at least 154 deaths, including 89 children, caused by starvation.
UN agencies have described the food crisis in Gaza as a man-made famine, reporting 63 malnutrition-related deaths in the last month alone.
While Israeli authorities maintain there are no restrictions on aid and deny the existence of starvation in Gaza, international pressure continues to mount as images of malnourished children and desperate families circulate worldwide.
Jenča urged Israel to immediately allow the unimpeded entry of sufficient humanitarian aid, warning that any further escalation could push the crisis beyond repair.
