NEW YORK — August 9, 2025 — The United Nations Security Council held an urgent session today to address Israel’s announcement of full occupation of Gaza City and forced displacement of nearly one million Palestinians to southern Gaza. The session came amid intense international alarm and mounting humanitarian desperation.
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| UN Meeting Over Israel’s Full Occupation of Gaza City |
Who Called the Meeting & Who Participated?
The emergency meeting was requested by the United Kingdom, Denmark, France, Greece, and Slovenia, and co-sponsored by Algeria, Russia, China, Somalia, Guyana, Pakistan, South Korea, and Sierra Leone. These members represent a cross-section of regional blocs within the 15-member Council.
Highlights from Key National Statements
France: Strongly condemned the occupation plan as a "serious violation of international law" and warned it would stall peace efforts.Canada (PM Mark Carney): Called the plan "wrong," escalating humanitarian risk and urging immediate ceasefire and hostage release.
European Commission (Ursula von der Leyen): Labeled the move a “dangerous escalation,” demanding ceasefire, humanitarian access, and hostage release.
Germany (Chancellor Friedrich Merz): Halted arms exports to Israel and questioned how the plan would contribute to resolution rather than further bloodshed.
UK (PM Keir Starmer): Called the plan counterproductive to peace or hostage release, stating it will lead to “more bloodshed.”
Australia, Germany, Italy, New Zealand & UK (joint statement): Warned the plan breaches humanitarian law, criticized attempted annexation, and called for humanitarian aid and a two-state solution.News.com.au
Iran: Denounced the occupation as a sign of intent for genocide and called on Muslim nations to take joint action.AP News
China: Stated that Gaza belongs to the Palestinian people and urged an immediate ceasefire.
Saudi Arabia & UAE: Saudi Arabia declared the decision “categorically condemned.” The UAE called on the global community to halt such illegal actions.
UN Leadership Response
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the decision as a “dangerous escalation” that risks prolonging the humanitarian crisis and endangering hostages. He reiterated calls for immediate ceasefire, safe aid access, and adherence to international law.The GuardianAP NewsAssistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča warned of dire consequences from further military expansion, stressing the urgency of a political solution.AP News
what was at stake?
Today's session highlighted the world's urgent demand to protect civilians, end hostilities, and renew commitment to a political path forward. With mass displacement, hunger, and violence surging, the Council's response aimed to shift the narrative toward peace and accountability.
FAQ's — Understanding the Crisis & International Reaction
Q1: Which countries called the emergency session?
The UK, Denmark, France, Greece, and Slovenia requested the meeting, with Algeria, Russia, China, Somalia, Guyana, Pakistan, South Korea, and Sierra Leone supporting the request.AP News
Q2: What did leading countries say at the session?
France condemned the plan as illegal. Canada said it endangered hostages. The EU pushed for ceasefire and aid. Germany halted military exports. The UK warned of escalating bloodshed. Australia, Italy et al. cited humanitarian law violations. Iran and China condemned the move, while Saudi Arabia and UAE called for international action.AP News,News.com.au
Q3: What did the UN Secretary-General call for?
Guterres denounced the occupation as a dangerous escalation and demanded a ceasefire, unimpeded aid access, and respect for international law.The Guardian,AP News
Q4: Is there a resolution?
As of now, no binding resolution has been passed. The US is expected to block any critical resolutions, but negotiations and diplomatic pressure continue.AP News
Q5: What are the humanitarian stakes?
The situation is catastrophic—food, medicine, and safety are in short supply, and mass displacement could lead to famine-like conditions unless urgent action is taken
