The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on Gaza at 9 p.m. on Saturday, following Israel’s announcement of its plan to take control of Gaza City, according to various diplomatic sources cited by French news agency AFP.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a warning to Israel on Friday evening via a spokesperson, cautioning against a “dangerous escalation” that could worsen the already disastrous situation for millions of Palestinians.
Several countries, including the 15 members of the Security Council, called for the urgent meeting on the heels of global outrage over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to instruct the Israeli military to seize control of Gaza City in an effort to “defeat” Hamas.
Guterres warned that the situation could lead to more forced displacements, killings, and massive destruction, exacerbating the unimaginable suffering of the Palestinian population in Gaza.
