Teh UN Security Council held a rare emergency meeting after Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu said his military will take control of Gaza City, with officials saying the move would risk violating international law
Table of Contents
- Teh UN Security Council held a rare emergency meeting after Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu said his military will take control of Gaza City, with officials saying the move would risk violating international law
- Gaza Food Crisis Worsens as Israel Signals Rafah Offensive Despite International Warnings
- UN Warns of Further Calamity in Gaza as Israel Plans Offensive
- UK Chief Rabbi Urges Government Not to Recognize Palestinian State Amid hostage Crisis
Israel’s plan to take over Gaza City has been internationally condemned today with the United Nations saying it would “trigger another calamity” in the already-embattled region.
The UN Security Council held a rare emergency meeting after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli military would ‘take control’ of the war-torn area. The UK, Denmark, France,
Gaza Food Crisis Worsens as Israel Signals Rafah Offensive Despite International Warnings
The food crisis in Gaza is rapidly deteriorating, with warnings of imminent famine growing louder as Israel signals its intention to proceed with a military offensive in Rafah, despite widespread international condemnation. The United Nations and aid organizations have repeatedly warned that an attack on Rafah, where over a million displaced Palestinians are sheltering, would be catastrophic and severely impede the delivery of desperately needed aid.
The Labor Party in the UK has strongly criticised the Israeli goverment’s decision, with Shadow Foreign Secretary David Lammy stating: “This decision by the Israeli Government will do nothing to secure the return of the hostages and risks further endangering their lives.” The statement also urged Israel to lift restrictions on aid deliveries, a claim Israel disputes, maintaining there are no such restrictions.
Prime Minister benjamin Netanyahu defended his government’s stance, asserting that Israel “had no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas,” and reiterated that Israel’s goal is not to occupy gaza, but to “free Gaza.” He also accused critics of engaging in a “global campaign of lies” and expressed disappointment with Germany’s recent decision to suspend exports of military equipment to Israel.
Netanyahu indicated a “fairly short timetable” for next steps in Gaza, outlining goals including the demilitarisation of the territory, sustained Israeli security control, and the establishment of a non-Israeli civilian management. He continued to place blame for the crisis on Hamas, attributing civilian deaths, destruction, and aid shortages to the militant group’s actions.
UN Warns of Further Calamity in Gaza as Israel Plans Offensive
UN Assistant Secretary Miroslav Jenca has warned the Security Council that implementing plans for a full-scale military operation in Gaza will likely “trigger another calamity,” exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation and potentially causing further displacement, killings, and destruction across the region. He reiterated calls for a “full and immediate ceasefire” and the release of all hostages, emphasizing that “Palestinians have their right to have their voices heard” and reaffirming the UN’s support for a two-state solution.
Slovenia’s ambassador to the UN, Samuel Zbogar, speaking on behalf of the five European members of the Security Council, stated that Israel’s decision would not aid in securing the return of hostages and could further endanger their lives.Though, israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a rare press conference, defended the planned offensive as “the best way to end the war, and end it speedily.” He firmly rejected the idea of a Palestinian state,accusing European countries of succumbing to public pressure regarding recognition.
China’s ambassador to the UN, Fu Cong, expressed concern that the situation in Gaza is “evolving into an even more dangerous direction.” He urged the Security Council to “firmly oppose any attempt to occupy Gaza” and condemned Israel’s decision to renew its offensive in Gaza City,stating that “military means are not the way to solve this problem.” Fu also condemned the “collective punishment” of gaza’s population and called for unrestricted access for aid deliveries.Meanwhile, family members of Israeli hostages marched on Downing Street, urging the release of those held by Hamas. the exhibition coincided with Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge to recognise a Palestinian state in September if Israel doesn’t meet specific conditions for ending the conflict in Gaza. Noga Guttman, cousin of kidnapped 24-year-old Evyatar David, was among those who attended the march, following the release of a distressing video showing Mr.David in captivity.
UK Chief Rabbi Urges Government Not to Recognize Palestinian State Amid hostage Crisis
London, UK – The UK’s Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, delivered a powerful address at a march near Downing Street on Saturday, urging the British government not to recognize a Palestinian state led by Hamas while hostages remain captive in Gaza. the march was one of several demonstrations held globally, including protests in Jerusalem and across Israel, focused on the plight of the hostages and ongoing conflict.
Rabbi Mirvis directly addressed the government, questioning how thay could contemplate recognizing a Palestinian state headed by an organization that has openly called for the destruction of Israel and poses a threat to Jewish communities worldwide. He stated, “To our Government we turn and we say ‘how would you ever be able to live with the fact that you would have recognised a Palestinian state, at the head of which is a terrorist organisation, with a stated intention of destroying the state of Israel and harming Jews right around the world and all this at a time when the hostages are still languishing in the tunnels of gaza?'”
He further challenged the labour Party’s long-standing motto of being judged by their actions, stating, “The Labour Partyboth in opposition and now in Government has had a mantra, they have continuously been saying ‘don’t judge us by our words, judge us by our deeds’. And to our Government we say right now this is the time for responsible action, it is not to late.” He affirmed a continued commitment to securing the release of all hostages.
The protests come as negotiations for the release of hostages continue to stall. The BBC reports that over 130 hostages remain in Gaza after being taken during the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7,2023.
Meanwhile, protests also unfolded in Israel. In Jerusalem, demonstrators marched towards the residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing frustration with his government’s plans for a full occupation of Gaza City. Reuters reported that former soldier Max Kresch participated in the march, holding a sign reading “I refused,” representing a group of over 350 soldiers who have refused to continue serving, viewing Netanyahu’s actions as politically motivated. Similar protests occurred in Haifa and Tel Aviv.
Key Takeaways:
Hostage Crisis: The central focus of the protests is the release of over 130 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
UK Government Pressure: Rabbi Mirvis is urging the UK government to reconsider recognizing a Palestinian state led by Hamas.
Israeli Protests: Demonstrations are taking place across Israel, criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu’s handling of the situation and his government’s plans for Gaza.
Soldier Refusal: A growing number of Israeli soldiers are refusing to participate in what they perceive as a politically driven war.