The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Saturday following the revelation of Israel’s plans to seize control of Gaza City.
Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas called for an immediate emergency meeting of the United Nation’s most powerful body in order to stop Israel from escalating its military action in Gaza.
The Israeli political-security cabinet approved Benjamin Netanyahu’s plan to take full military control of Gaza City on Thursday.
Netanyahu’s office said that “the IDF will prepare to take control of Gaza City while providing humanitarian aid to the civilian population outside the combat zones”.
Hamas has warned the Israeli government that seizing control of Gaza City would mean “sacrificing” the hostages inside the besieged enclave, with the group declaring the decision a “war crime”.
Netanyahu said that neither Hamas nor the rival Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank would be allowed involvement in the civil administration that will take over.
UK prime minister Sir Keir Starmer joined global leaders in condemning the decision to “further escalate its offensive”, adding it “only brings more bloodshed”.
Israeli defence minister Israel Katz has said the countries that condemn Israel and threaten sanctions “will not weaken our resolve”.
