Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on August 8, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 22, 2026
UN Chief warns Israel's plan to control Gaza City could dangerously escalate conflict, leading to more displacement and casualties.
By Daphne Psaledakis and Kanishka Singh
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday criticized Israel's plan to take control of Gaza City, with the U.N. chief's spokesperson saying the decision marked "a dangerous escalation" that will result in forced displacement of Palestinians.
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to take control of Gaza City to further expand Israel's military offensive in the Palestinian enclave devastated by nearly a two-year Israeli assault. The plan drew strong criticism at home and abroad on Friday.
When asked by Fox News' Bill Hemmer on Thursday if Israel would take over the entire coastal territory, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "we intend to."
KEY QUOTES
"This decision marks a dangerous escalation and risks deepening the already catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians, and could further endanger more lives, including of the remaining hostages," the U.N. chief's spokesperson said in a statement.
That decision "will result in additional forced displacement, killings and massive destruction, compounding the unimaginable suffering of the Palestinian population in Gaza," the statement added. Forced displacement is illegal under international law.
CONTEXT
Gaza's health ministry says Israel's military assault has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians. It has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations.
Israel's offensive followed an October 2023 attack in which Palestinian Hamas militants killed 1,200 people and took about 250 hostages, Israeli tallies show. That attack sparked the latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
(Reporting by Daphne Psaledakis and Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Paul Simao)
Forced displacement refers to the involuntary movement of people from their homes or communities, often due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. It can lead to significant humanitarian crises and challenges for those affected.
A military offensive is a coordinated military operation aimed at achieving specific objectives, such as capturing territory or defeating an enemy. It often involves the use of armed forces and can lead to significant conflict.
Humanitarian aid refers to assistance provided to people in need, especially during crises such as natural disasters or armed conflicts. It aims to alleviate suffering and support recovery efforts.
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