As Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu considers a full military occupation of Gaza, a United Nations official warned about the humanitarian impact that expanded military operations would have on Palestinians.

Jerusalem

Israel and Iran have agreed a ceasefire after a twelve day conflict. Meanwhile, Israel strikes in Gaza continue with the humanitarian crisis deepening.

Middle East Conflict

A top United Nations official has warned that any expansion of Israeli military operations in Gaza could lead to catastrophic consequences. This warning comes as Israeli media report that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a full reoccupation of Gaza, which would involve relocating the Palestinian population to humanitarian zones. However, there is reported opposition within Israel's military leadership, who are concerned about the safety of hostages still held in Gaza and the challenges of governing the territory.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with Palestinians facing ongoing bombardment and severe shortages of food and aid. Reports indicate that Israel currently controls most of Gaza, but a full occupation would require significant resources and responsibility for the civilian population. The final decision on expanding military operations is expected soon, as international and local calls for a ceasefire continue.

U.N. warns of potential Israeli military expansion in Gaza

Well, a top UN official is warning an expansion of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip would risk, quote, catastrophic consequences. The comments come amid reports in Israeli media that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is considering a full reoccupation of the enclave. President Trump yesterday declined to say if he supported or opposed a potential Israeli military takeover of Gaza, saying his administration is focused on getting people in the territory fed. For more on this, I want to bring in CBS News Senior Foreign Correspondent Debra Pata, who's following developments for us from East Jerusalem. Debra, thanks for joining us. What reaction has there been in Israel to these reports of a possible military expansion in Gaza? Well, Michael, as you mentioned, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants the IDF to seize complete control of Gaza, which would involve the forced removal of the entire Palestinian population of more than 2 million to humanitarian zones. But there are tensions with the IDF's top brass, who are reportedly opposed to a full-scale takeover, fearing it could endanger the lives of the 20 living hostages still being held in captivity. Now, hostage families and friends have also protested against the expansion of the war. Security analysts say that Israel, in fact, already controls 75% of Gaza, and Hamas has no organized military force to resist. But if Israel occupies Gaza, it will be responsible for every facet of civilian life, including food and health care, and will also require a substantial occupying force amid a population very strongly opposed to this. Now, our final decision, Michael, on taking over Gaza will be made by the end of this week. Now, Debra, let's talk about the mass starvation inside Gaza. What do we know about the current situation and the efforts to get more aid there? Well, Palestinians say, Michael, that they continue to live in conditions that are inhuman. They are still under constant Israeli bombardment. The war is not over. And there is nowhere near enough food getting in every day. There are more reports of Palestinians killed trying to get something to eat. Look at this footage filmed by our team on the ground yesterday. This is a snapshot of daily life after an Israeli strike hit a U.N. center where people had been sheltering. They fled after an IDF warning and returned to find devastation upon already existing devastation in their makeshift shelters amid the rubble and ruins. And there are scenes like this across Gaza. You'll see it almost every single day, leaving Palestinians desperate for a ceasefire and saying, Michael, that really, there's nothing left to destroy. All right, Debra Padda in Jerusalem, thank you for your reporting.

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Fort Stewart

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U.N. warns of potential Israeli military expansion in Gaza

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