Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly pushing for approval of a plan for the complete takeover of Gaza, including areas where more than two million people live. A UN official warned that such actions would result in mass Palestinian casualties and endanger the lives of remaining hostages. In Israel, the plan has sparked sharp divisions, with opposition from the military and growing concern among the families of captives. Meanwhile, international organizations report widespread hunger and a severe shortage of humanitarian aid.
A senior UN official has warned of "catastrophic consequences" if Israel expands its military operation in Gaza. The warning comes amid reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for a full reoccupation of the enclave.
Miroslav Jenča, UN Assistant Secretary-General, told the Security Council that such actions were "deeply alarming" and could lead to further Palestinian casualties while also putting the lives of Israeli hostages held by Hamas at risk.
According to Israeli media, Netanyahu is expected to convene a meeting of the war cabinet this week. A senior official told reporters, “The die is cast. We are going for full control of the Gaza Strip — and the defeat of Hamas.”
The full reoccupation plan is reportedly set to be discussed at Thursday’s war cabinet meeting, which must approve any such drastic move. Some observers believe the statements about reoccupation may be aimed at pressuring Hamas after the collapse of ceasefire talks — or at bolstering Netanyahu’s support among his far-right coalition partners.
Asked whether he would support Israel’s plan to take over all of Gaza, U.S. President Donald Trump said: “That’s ultimately for Israel to decide.”
Meanwhile, Israel is facing mounting international pressure over the war in Gaza, where experts warn famine is already unfolding.
In his address, UN Deputy Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča once again cautioned against expanding the military operation: "This would have catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians and could further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages in Gaza." He also reminded that under international law, Gaza "is and must remain an integral part of a future Palestinian state."
Supporters of the Jewish pro-Palestinian group IfNotNow protest outside the Trump Hotel in New York. August 4, 2025.
At least 40 people were detained during an anti-war protest outside the Trump Hotel in New York. August 5, 2025.
According to the Israeli military, it already controls roughly 75% of the territory in Gaza. However, the new plan envisions deploying troops across the entire enclave—including areas currently home to more than two million people.
The proposal has sparked intense debate within Israel. According to media reports, the Chief of Staff and other senior military officials oppose the idea. In response, an unnamed Israeli official said: "If the Chief of Staff is unhappy with it, he should resign."
Families of Israeli hostages have voiced concern, fearing that a renewed occupation of Gaza could endanger their loved ones. Official figures indicate that 49 people are still being held in Gaza; 27 of them are believed to be dead.
Addressing the UN Security Council, Miroslav Jenča renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages. He also drew attention to the "squalid" and "inhumane" conditions faced by Palestinians, demanding that Israel allow unrestricted and sufficient access for humanitarian aid.
"Israel continues to severely restrict the flow of aid into Gaza, and what is permitted is woefully inadequate," Jenča emphasized. He condemned the ongoing violence at food distribution sites, noting that since the end of May, more than 1,200 Palestinians have been killed while trying to obtain food and essential supplies.
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According to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, 154 people—including 89 children—have died from hunger since October 2023. UN agencies report man-made, mass starvation and have recorded at least 63 hunger-related deaths in the past month alone.
Israel insists that there are no obstacles to humanitarian aid and that there is "no famine" in Gaza.
Israel’s military operation began after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, in which around 1,200 people were killed in southern Israel and 251 others were taken hostage and brought to Gaza. According to Gaza's health ministry, more than 60,000 Palestinians have been killed during the Israeli campaign.