By Daphne Psaledakis and Kanishka Singh

Item 1 of 3 Palestinian boys inspect the site of a morning Israeli strike on a house, in Gaza City, August 8, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

[1/3] Palestinian boys inspect the site of a morning Israeli strike on a house, in Gaza City, August 8, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY Purchase Licensing Rights , opens new tab

WASHINGTON, Aug 8 (Reuters) – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday criticized Israel’s plan to take control of Gaza City, with the U.N. chief’s spokesperson saying the decision marked “a dangerous escalation” that will result in forced displacement of Palestinians.

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

Israel’s security cabinet has approved a plan to take control of Gaza City to further expand Israel’s military offensive in the Palestinian enclave devastated by nearly a two-year Israeli assault. The plan drew strong criticism at home and abroad on Friday.

When asked by Fox News’ Bill Hemmer on Thursday if Israel would take over the entire coastal territory, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “we intend to.”

KEY QUOTES

“This decision marks a dangerous escalation and risks deepening the already catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians, and could further endanger more lives, including of the remaining hostages,” the U.N. chief’s spokesperson said in a statement.

That decision “will result in additional forced displacement, killings and massive destruction, compounding the unimaginable suffering of the Palestinian population in Gaza,” the statement added. Forced displacement is illegal under international law.

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