NEW YORK CITY: The UN’s high commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk, on Friday called for an immediate halt to Israel’s plan for a full-scale military takeover of the Gaza Strip, warning that it could trigger further mass displacement, civilian suffering and violations of international law.
Israel’s security cabinet earlier signed off on a plan to seize control of Gaza City, marking an escalation in its ongoing military campaign in Gaza. The city, in the northern part of the territory, was its most densely populated urban center before the war and is still home to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians.
The latest move by Israeli authorities drew strong criticism from the international community, with the leaders of several countries condemning the decision. The UN warned that the operation could trigger further large-scale displacement and increase civilian casualties.
The plan also faces sharp criticism within Israel itself, including from senior military figures and the families of hostages held in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during an interview with Fox News on Thursday, said Israel intended to temporarily occupy the entire Gaza Strip before eventually transferring control to unspecified Arab forces. Many details of the plan remain unclear.
