UNITED NATIONS, WASHINGTON, TEL AVIV. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday criticized Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City, calling it a “dangerous escalation” that could lead to further forced displacement, deaths, and destruction in the war-ravaged territory.
A spokesperson for Guterres warned that the move risks worsening the catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians and could endanger remaining hostages. “This decision will result in additional forced displacement, killings, and massive destruction, compounding the unimaginable suffering of the Palestinian population in Gaza,” the statement said, noting that forced displacement is illegal under international law.
Israel’s security cabinet approved the plan as part of its nearly two-year military campaign against Hamas, which has already killed more than 61,000 Palestinians according to Gaza’s health ministry. The war has displaced the entire population of Gaza and left much of the enclave in ruins. Israel denies accusations of genocide and war crimes filed at international courts.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the plan on Thursday, telling Fox News that Israel intends to eventually take control of all of Gaza and place it under a “friendly Arab civilian administration.” He said military pressure is key to returning hostages and destroying Hamas.
The announcement was met with resignation and defiance from Palestinians, many of whom have endured repeated bombardments and mass displacements since the war began in October 2023. “There is nothing here to occupy. There is no life here,” said Umm Youssef, a Gaza City resident. Others, like Kamel Abu Nahel from the Shati refugee camp, vowed to stay. “I will die here,” he said.
Hamas warned Israel that any incursion into Gaza City “will not be a walk in the park” and pledged continued resistance. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled the city early in the war, but many returned during a ceasefire and now remain amid bombed-out buildings and makeshift camps.
The plan has also sparked divisions within Israel. Families of hostages still held in Gaza fear the operation will endanger their loved ones. “There’s not any objective that can be achieved that’s worth the cost of the lives of the hostages, the soldiers and civilians,” said former prime minister Ehud Olmert, echoing concerns of several ex-security officials.
Hamas militants abducted 251 people during the October 7 attack that killed around 1,200 in Israel, mostly civilians. About 50 hostages remain in Gaza, fewer than half believed to be alive. Israel has recovered the bodies of six captives killed by their captors during a previous rescue attempt.
Despite the risks, some Israelis back the plan. “They need to go after Hamas,” said Tel Aviv resident Susan Makin. Military analysts say Israel may try to negotiate directly with hostage-takers or avoid certain areas, but any move carries high stakes in an already devastating conflict.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
