Middle East Affairs will remain on top of our minds this August 6, 2025.
An official from the United Nations has issued a stark warning against Israel’s plans to increase military operations in Gaza Strip, noting that their expansion would likely have “catastrophic repercussions” for civilians and regional stability.
Martin Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, voiced growing alarm during a press conference at UN headquarters in Geneva on Tuesday. Any increase or expansion in Israeli military operations into Gaza–particularly into areas where more than a million civilians have taken shelter–would have devastating repercussions that may even be irreversible according to Griffiths.
Israeli forces’ warning comes amid rising speculation of a renewed ground offensive into Rafah and Khan Younis – regions currently home to most of Gaza’s displaced population – may soon launch another ground offensive into those regions. Israeli airstrikes against Hamas militants continue, though humanitarian organizations maintain that these strikes hit densely populated civilian areas instead, further aggravating an already severe humanitarian situation.
Griffiths warned, “Gaza is at a point of no return”, with its health system collapsing, clean water nearly exhausted and food insecurity reaching emergency levels. Expanding operations under these circumstances would not only be irresponsible but could end in generational tragedy.
Since the latest outbreak of conflict in May 2025, over 15,000 Palestinians, including thousands of women and children according to figures provided by the Palestinian Health Ministry have reportedly been killed as well as over 2 million being affected by airstrikes, displacement or restricted access to basic services.
Israel maintains that its actions are necessary to neutralize Hamas’ military infrastructure, with militants using civilian structures like schools and hospitals as human shields to attack Israel’s troops. On Tuesday, they issued a statement in which they stated: “Our operations are targeted and intelligence-led – civilian harm may result from Hamas tactics but remains deeply regrettable.”
Human rights and aid agencies have voiced doubts over Israel’s response, calling for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access. Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and other major NGOs have demanded this.
“Right now, basic medical supplies cannot get into Gaza,” stated Dr. Amina Khatib of a regional aid group. Our teams are performing surgeries without anesthesia – should operations intensify further we will no longer be able to offer even minimal care.”
The United Nations Security Council has called an emergency session on Thursday to review the situation, after requests from various member states such as France, Brazil and South Africa. Though previous resolutions have been blocked by vetoes from permanent members, diplomatic efforts are increasing behind-the-scene.
Egypt and Qatar have been working on a new ceasefire proposal; however, progress has been slow due to mistrust and cross-border rocket fire.
Griffiths ended his remarks by appealing directly to Israeli leadership and the international community: “Expanded war only leads to deeper suffering, the destruction of Gaza’s social fabric, and an unprecedented crisis reverberating through generations. To avoid further suffering we should choose restraint, diplomacy, and ultimately humanity.”
As Gaza deteriorates, the world eagerly watches to see whether warnings like Griffiths’ will be taken seriously or tragically disregarded.