United Nations officials and Security Council members have issued strong warnings regarding the Israeli government’s decision to occupy Gaza, emphasizing its severe impact on the entire region and the lives of millions of Palestinians, mostly women and children.

The plan involves besieging the city for three months, followed by an additional two months reportedly to seize camps in central Gaza. The Israeli government expects all civilians in Gaza City to be displaced by October 7, 2025, affecting around 800,000 people, many of whom were previously displaced, according to the UN.

Miroslav Jenca, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, warned that the Israeli government’s recent decision threatens to ignite another horrific chapter in the conflict, with potential consequences beyond Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.

He cautioned that if these plans are implemented, they are likely to lead to another disaster in Gaza, with repercussions throughout the region, causing further forced displacement, killing, and destruction, exacerbating the unbearable suffering of the population. He added, “Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security, and Palestinians must be able to return to their homes.”

The UN official called on Israel to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law, allowing the rapid, safe, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to the population. He also stressed the need to protect civilians, including humanitarian workers seeking assistance.

He affirmed, “There will be no sustainable solution without ending the illegal Israeli occupation,” emphasizing that Gaza must remain an integral part of a Palestinian state.

Meanwhile, Ramish Rajasingham, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva, expressed deep concern about the prolonged conflict and the additional human toll likely to unfold following the Israeli government’s decision to expand military operations in Gaza.

He stated that this decision represents a serious escalation in a conflict that has already caused unimaginable suffering. He explained that for more than 670 days, Palestinians in Gaza have endured daily killings and injuries.

The UN official recalled last year’s International Court of Justice ruling calling on Israel to end its illegal presence and policies as soon as possible. He warned that developments in the West Bank exacerbate the existing humanitarian situation, “which unfortunately remains less visible, not because it is less severe, but because global attention has shifted away.”

He noted that the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures in the case concerning the application of the Genocide Convention in Gaza remain in effect, including demands that Israel take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of essential services and urgently needed humanitarian assistance.