UN alarmed by reports about possible expansion of Israeli Gaza operations

Palestinians rush to collect humanitarian aid airdropped by parachutes into Deir Al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip. Picture: AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana

The United Nations has called reports about a possible decision to expand Israel's military operations throughout the Gaza Strip "deeply alarming" if true.

UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca told a UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Gaza that such a move "would risk catastrophic consequences ... and could further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages in Gaza.