The United Nations has called reports of a possible Israeli military expansion across the Gaza Strip deeply alarming, if true. At a UN Security Council meeting, Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca warned that such action could have catastrophic consequences and could further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages in Gaza. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly met security officials to finalise a new strategy, with media suggesting he supports a complete military takeover of Gaza.
China’s UN envoy urged Israel to halt dangerous actions and called for a ceasefire, and urged countries to take concrete steps to help bring one about. Ahead of the meeting, Israeli FM Gideon Sa’ar criticised countries recognizing a “virtual Palestinian state,” blaming them for derailing hostage and ceasefire talks.
France, Canada, and the UK plan to recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN in September unless Israel takes action to reduce Gaza’s suffering. US Ambassador Dorothy Shea dismissed a recent UN two-state conference as an “unproductive publicity stunt.”
