A UN official has warned an emergency meeting of the Security Council that Israel’s plans to control Gaza City risked “another calamity” with far-reaching consequences, AFP reports.

“If these plans are implemented, they will likely trigger another calamity in Gaza, reverberating across the region and causing further forced displacement, killings, and destruction,” UN Assistant Secretary Miroslav Jenca told the UNSC.

Slovenia’s ambassador to the UN, Samuel Zbogar, speaking on behalf of the five European members of the Security Council ahead of the meeting, said, “This decision by the Israeli government will do nothing to secure the return of the hostages and risk further endangering their lives.

“It will also worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza and risk further death and mass displacement of Palestinian civilians.”

Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, said ahead of the meeting, “Israel will not stop fighting for the release of all the hostages — and ensuring the safety and security of our citizens is our duty.”