Gaza Crisis Deepens: UN and Red Cross Warn of Catastrophe as Netanyahu Pushes New Offensive.
The United Nations (UN) and the International Red Cross (ICRC) have sounded alarm over a looming humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, warning that an Israeli offensive to seize Gaza City could bring unprecedented devastation.
According to aid officials, the Israeli military has already instructed medical and humanitarian groups in northern Gaza to prepare for mass forced displacement, a move that Gaza’s health ministry has condemned. The ministry stressed that removing staff would deprive over one million civilians of essential medical treatment and put patients and the wounded at extreme risk.
International Backlash Over Israeli Actions
The warnings come as global opposition mounts against Israel’s defiance of ceasefire appeals and its approval of a large new settlement project in the occupied West Bank. The United Kingdom, joined by over 20 nations, summoned Israel’s ambassador and denounced the settlement decision as a “serious violation of international law.”
At the same time, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire, cautioning that an Israeli assault on Gaza would result in “massive death and destruction.”
Netanyahu Rejects Ceasefire, Pledges to Seize Gaza
In a recent interview, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel intends to take control of the entire Gaza Strip, even if a ceasefire deal with Hamas is reached. Netanyahu, who faces charges from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged war crimes, declared: “We’re going to do that anyway. There was never a question that we’re not going to leave Hamas there.”
Families of Israeli hostages held in Gaza strongly opposed Netanyahu’s stance, calling it a “death sentence” for their loved ones.
Hostage Families Push for Ceasefire Deal
Relatives of the remaining 20 hostages urged the Israeli government to accept a ceasefire proposal already agreed upon by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The deal would see half the surviving hostages freed in exchange for the release of long-serving Palestinian prisoners.
“We’re one step away from losing the chance to save lives,” said Lishay Miran Lavi, whose husband is believed to still be alive in captivity. She accused Netanyahu’s office of deliberately sabotaging the agreement to preserve political power.
Growing Protests and Political Pressure
Israel’s plans for a new offensive have triggered mass protests at home, with nearly 400,000 people rallying last Sunday and more demonstrations planned. Netanyahu’s fragile coalition is under pressure from far-right parties, who are threatening to collapse the government if a ceasefire is signed.
Meanwhile, the Israeli army has announced the call-up of 60,000 reservists, though officials admit most will not serve in combat. Overnight, heavy bombardment struck Gaza City and Deir al-Balah, hitting crowded civilian areas.
Humanitarian Concerns Mount
The ICRC spokesperson, Christian Cardon, described the situation as “intolerable,” noting that access to food, clean water, and healthcare is rapidly disappearing while humanitarian workers face escalating risks.
French President Emmanuel Macron also warned of a “true disaster” if Israel fails to allow sufficient humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The Ceasefire Proposal
Mediators are working to push forward a 60-day ceasefire plan, based on an outline by former U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. Under the deal, Hamas would release 10 living hostages and 18 bodies, while Israel would free around 200 Palestinian prisoners.
Although Israel had previously signaled support for this framework, Netanyahu is expected to meet cabinet ministers this week to discuss whether to proceed with his military plans instead.
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