The United Nations Security Council meets in an emergency session on Sunday. This follows a decision by the Israeli security cabinet to approve a plan to expand military operations inside Gaza and take full control of key population centres in Gaza City.

UN Chief Antonio Guterres earlier said he was gravely alarmed by the decision, calling it a “dangerous escalation” as starvation mounts in the enclave.

It’s a rare gathering of the Council, on a Sunday after Israel’s decision, late last week, to take control of Gaza City, while Hamas has vowed fierce resistance against the move.

Ceasefire talks that could see the remaining 50 hostages released have faltered while the humanitarian catastrophe in the enclave has only deepened, with the UN warning that the military escalation in Gaza City would result in additional forced displacement, killings and massive destruction.

Last year, the International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion that Israel was under an obligation to end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

VIDEO | UNSC to vote on Gaza action

Military campaign

Earlier on Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his cabinet that the military campaign in Gaza will now focus on seizing the remaining Hamas strongholds, Gaza City and the central city refugee camps.

Netanyahu said the operation is the best way to end the war and is aimed at eliminating Hamas’ military presence, demilitarising the enclave, and paving the way for a new civilian administration not linked to the group.

He also accused the United Nations of refusing to distribute humanitarian aid that Israel had allowed into Gaza.