The United Nations Worries With Reports Of Possible Expansion Of Israeli Operations In Gaza

Israeli tanks operate in the Gaza Strip. (Source: Israel Defense Forces)

JAKARTA - The United Nations on Tuesday cited reports of a possible decision to expand Israel's military operations across the Gaza Strip, Palestine is "very worrying" if correct.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday met with senior security officials to complete a new strategy for the war that has lasted nearly two years in Gaza, with media reports that he supports the full takeover of the Palestinian territories by the military.

UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca said at a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Gaza the move "will risk catastrophic consequences and could further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages in Gaza."

"International law is clear in this regard; Gaza is and must remain an integral part of the Palestinian state in the future," he explained.

Meanwhile, China's deputy representative at the United Nations, Geng Shuang, expressed "major concern" about the reported plans and added: "We urge Israel to immediately stop these dangerous acts."

He called for a ceasefire and urged influential countries to take concrete steps to make it happen.

Ahead of the meeting, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar spoke to reporters at the United Nations and criticized countries seeking to pressure Israel by recognizing the Palestinian state as "virtual", saying this had "failed down" the hostage-taking and ceasefire deals and extended the war.

Previously, three Group of Seven (G7) countries had announced plans to recognize the Palestinian state. France and Canada said they would do so in September at the UN General Assembly.

Meanwhile, Britain said it would also support the Palestinian state in September, unless Israel took substantive steps to end suffering in Gaza, where Israel is fighting Hamas, and meet other requirements.

Meanwhile, US Ambassador to the United Nations Dorothy Shea said last week's UN conference which was attended by dozens of ministers urging the world to seek a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine as a "unproductive publicity action," and said it had undermined the efforts of mediators.