UN Official Warns of Potential Calamity in Gaza over Israel's Military Plans

Strategic Insights -

A warning has been issued by a UN official of the potential for another humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, following Israel's plans to take over the city. According to Miroslav Jenca, UN assistant secretary-general for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, the plans to displace all civilians from Gaza City by October 7, 2025, affecting some 800,000 people, may trigger a new calamity in the region. Jenca urged for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to the population.

Key Takeaways:

  • Israel's plans to take over Gaza City may trigger another humanitarian catastrophe, affecting some 800,000 civilians.
  • The UN has warned that the only way to stop the immense human suffering in Gaza is through a full, immediate, and permanent ceasefire.
  • Israel must comply with international humanitarian law and allow the rapid, safe, and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to the population.
  • Civilians, including humanitarian workers and those seeking aid, must be protected.
  • There is no military solution to the armed conflict in Gaza or the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
  • A sustainable solution depends on the end of Israel's unlawful occupation and the achievement of a viable two-state solution.
  • Jenca emphasized that Gaza must remain an integral part of a Palestinian state.

Statistics:

  • 800,000 civilians may be displaced from Gaza City by October 7, 2025.
  • Israel's plans to surround Gaza City for three months and seize control of central Gaza's camps may lead to further forced displacement, killings, and destruction.
  • The population in Gaza is already suffering from an "unimaginable scale" of humanitarian catastrophe, according to Jenca.

Sources:

  • Xinhua News Agency
  • COMTEX, August 10, 2025