UN ambassadors have criticized Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated it was the best solution to end the conflict. Netanyahu mentioned in a press briefing that the offensive would proceed quickly and aim to liberate Gaza from Hamas. He asserted that Israeli hostages in Gaza were the only ones being starved deliberately, denying responsibility for Gazans’ starvation.
At a UN Security Council emergency meeting, Israel faced heavy criticism, with the UK, France, and others warning the plan could violate international humanitarian law. Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia, among others, urged for the reversal of the plan, citing risks to hostages’ safety. China condemned the collective punishment of Gazans, and Russia cautioned against increasing hostilities.
Miroslav Jenca of the UN warned the plan could lead to further disaster in Gaza, causing displacement, casualties, and destruction. Ramesh Rajasingham from the UN’s humanitarian office described the hunger crisis as sheer starvation.
The US defended Israel, with Ambassador Dorothy Shea highlighting efforts to free hostages and criticizing accusations against Israel as false. Netanyahu later spoke with US President Donald Trump about the plans.
Protests occurred in Israel against the government’s approach, fearing for hostages’ safety. Netanyahu detailed a strategy to dismantle remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza City and al-Mawasi, with plans to increase aid through safe corridors and air drops, alongside more distribution points managed by GHF.
The UN reported Palestinian deaths related to food scarcity since aid distribution began. Netanyahu accused Hamas of commandeering aid and attributed violence at distribution sites to them.
Regarding hostages, Netanyahu expressed urgency in recovering them and criticized international media for allegedly endorsing Hamas propaganda. He called images of malnourishment “fake,” amid restricted press access to Gaza. The Hamas-run ministry reported starvation deaths and a high casualty count from Israel’s military campaign, which began after an October attack on southern Israel by Hamas.