Here are the latest updates on day 671 of the war:
■ The UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting Saturday to discuss Israel's move to seize control of Gaza City, following a request by the United Kingdom. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon defended the decision, citing hostages still held by Hamas: "If 50 British nationals were still being held in Gaza by terrorists today, the British government wouldn't be sitting on its hands."
■ UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the Israeli offensive a "dangerous escalation" with "catastrophic consequences." He urged an immediate cease-fire, full humanitarian access, and the unconditional release of all hostages. Guterres also cited the ICJ's recent opinion demanding an end to settlement activity across the Occupied Territories, including Gaza.
■ France, Canada, Iran, and the European Union strongly condemned Israel's Gaza occupation plan. France said it would deepen the crisis without freeing hostages or disarming Hamas. Canada warned it puts hostage lives at risk. Iran accused Israel of "genocide," blaming Western backers. The EU said only 36 aid trucks enter Gaza daily and 90% of the contents are looted – highlighting what it described as a collapse of promised humanitarian access.
