"Updated" The UN Security Council discusses the expansion of aggression against our people and the occupation's decision to reoccupy the Gaza Strip

SadaNews - An emergency session of the UN Security Council began this Sunday evening to discuss the expansion of aggression against our people and the occupation's decision to reoccupy the Gaza Strip.

The Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas, Miroslav Jenca, warned during his briefing to the council that the Israeli government's recent decision regarding the Gaza Strip threatens to ignite another horrific chapter in this conflict, with potential consequences that extend beyond Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.

Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas: Implementation of these plans is likely to lead to disaster in Gaza

He cautioned that if these plans are implemented, they are likely to lead to another catastrophe in Gaza, reverberating 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. Palestinians must be able to return to their homes."

The UN's position is clear that the only way to stop the immense humanitarian suffering in Gaza is through a complete, immediate, and permanent ceasefire, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

The UN official urged Israel to adhere to its obligations under international humanitarian law and to allow humanitarian assistance to be delivered widely, quickly, safely, and without obstacles. He emphasized the need to protect civilians, including humanitarian workers seeking assistance.

He reiterated that there is no military solution to the armed conflict in Gaza or to the broader conflict, stating, "There will be no sustainable solution without ending the illegal Israeli occupation and achieving a viable two-state solution. Gaza is, and must remain, an integral part of a Palestinian state."

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs representative in Geneva: Atrocities could escalate following Israel's expansion of operations in Gaza

In turn, the head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Geneva, Ramesh Rajasingham, stated that the suffering over the past 22 months has been "nothing short of soul-crushing, compelling our shared humanity to end this catastrophe immediately."

He expressed grave concern over the prolonged conflict and the additional human toll likely to unfold following the Israeli government's decision to expand military operations in Gaza.

He noted that this decision represents a serious escalation in a conflict that has already caused unimaginable suffering, stating that over 670 days, Palestinians in Gaza have suffered daily killings and injuries, with more than 61,000 people killed, including over 18,000 children, and 151,000 others injured.

He reiterated the UN Secretary-General's profound concern regarding the repercussions of expanding military operations in Gaza on the West Bank, where military operations, settler violence, and home demolitions continue at alarming rates.

The UN official reminded of the International Court of Justice ruling made last year, which called on Israel to urgently end its illegal presence, policies, and practices, warning that developments in the West Bank are exacerbating the existing humanitarian situation.

He added, "Countries – and anyone with any influence – must reflect on our collective wounded conscience and muster the courage to do what is necessary to end this inhumanity and pain. This is also what international law demands. Civilians must be protected, and their basic needs must be met. Hostages must be released unconditionally. Arbitrarily detained Palestinians must be freed."

Rajasingham urged Israel to agree to humanitarian relief efforts and facilitate them, whether inside Gaza or to it, to reach those in need.

He reminded that the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice in the case of applying the Genocide Convention in Gaza remain in effect, including calling for Israel to take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of basic services and urgently needed humanitarian assistance.

The UN official continued, "Life and dignity should be respected for all, and international humanitarian law is a code of conduct in warfare, designed to ensure a minimum of humanity, and all parties and nations must fulfill their obligations under it, and suffering must cease."

Britain: Israel's decision is wrong, and will displace about a million people

The British Deputy Ambassador to the UN stated that the current Israeli escalation in Gaza will displace about a million people, urging Israel to lift restrictions on aid to Gaza.

She stressed that Israel should not prevent humanitarian organizations from operating in Gaza through arbitrary measures.

She said, "Israel's decision is wrong, and it must immediately reconsider its expansion of operations in Gaza."

France: Israel's decision is wrong, and it must immediately reconsider its expansion of operations in Gaza

The French Deputy Ambassador stated, "We reiterate our strong opposition to any plan to occupy, annex, or settle the Gaza Strip or forcibly displace its residents."

He condemned Israel's plan to expand its operations to control the city of Gaza in the strongest terms.

The French Deputy Ambassador to the UN emphasized that Israel must urgently open all crossings to Gaza to allow humanitarian aid to be delivered.

He affirmed the necessity for Israel to comply with its obligations under international humanitarian law.

Several countries, including the UK, France, Denmark, Slovenia, and Greece, have called for an urgent Security Council meeting regarding the situation in Gaza.

These countries condemned the Israeli government's decision to expand its military operations in Gaza, warning that this plan is a violation of international humanitarian law, calling on Israel to immediately retract this decision and not implement it.

They emphasized that any attempt to annex land or expand settlements violates international law.

They stressed that expanding military operations endangers the lives of all civilians in Gaza, including those remaining hostages, and will result in further unnecessary suffering, as well as exacerbate the already disastrous humanitarian situation in Gaza, putting Palestinian civilians' lives at further risk of death and mass displacement.

The International Planning Committee warned that "famine is unfolding in Gaza. Children are dying of hunger, the hunger is so severe that desperate civilians risk their lives at aid distribution sites to feed their families, this is a man-made crisis, thus urgent action is desperately needed to stop the famine and increase the flow of aid to Gaza."

It added, "We have a clear message to Israel: lift the restrictions on aid delivery to allow the UN and its humanitarian partners to operate safely and widely, in accordance with the principles of humanity, integrity, neutrality, and independence. It is essential that international NGOs can work in Gaza. Unreasonable Israeli visa and registration conditions must be repealed, and all land routes must be opened for basic supplies, including food, baby formula, medicines, fuel, and clean water."

It asserted that after 22 months of suffering in Gaza, it is time for diplomacy, not more war.

The countries stated, "The recent international conference on the two-state solution, co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia, was a strong testament to the international community's determination to ensure a better future and achieve lasting peace for Palestinians, Israelis, and the region."

The Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine, Riyad Mansour, held a press conference a few days ago, addressing the steps Palestine is taking in this important international forum in implementation of the directives of President Mahmoud Abbas and the Palestinian leadership, to prevent the implementation of the occupying Gaza according to the decision of Netanyahu's government.