Britain, EU, and UN Warn Against Israeli Ground Offensive in Rafah: Violation of International Law and Ineffective against Hamas
The British deputy foreign minister, Andrew Mitchell, warned against an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah, stating that it would violate international humanitarian law and not achieve the intended goals of removing Hamas from power or eradicating the organization.
Mitchell expressed concern that entering Rafah, a densely populated area with over a million displaced people, could actually strengthen Hamas.
He did not specify any international consequences for Israel if it proceeds with the offensive.
Mitchell reiterated the UK's desire for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and urged Israel to consider a three-stage peace deal recently accepted by Hamas.
Israeli minister Benny Gantz and US envoy Martin Indyk have criticized a peace proposal, stating it has significant gaps and does not align with previous dialogue with mediators.
The UN and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have called for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza and for border crossings to be reopened.
The UN is concerned about the potential consequences of a threatened Israeli ground invasion of Rafah, where approximately 1.4 million Palestinians are sheltering.
Israeli forces have sent tanks into Rafah and taken control of the nearby crossing on the border with Egypt, leading to international pressure to de-escalate the situation.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned that Israeli military action in Rafah, Gaza, could result in civilian casualties.
The White House stated that Israel informed the US its operation was aimed at stopping Hamas from smuggling weapons into Gaza.
Egypt called on Israeli authorities to show restraint, while the Organization for Islamic Cooperation denounced Israel's actions as criminal aggression.
He did not specify any international consequences for Israel if it proceeds with the offensive.
Mitchell reiterated the UK's desire for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and urged Israel to consider a three-stage peace deal recently accepted by Hamas.
Israeli minister Benny Gantz and US envoy Martin Indyk have criticized a peace proposal, stating it has significant gaps and does not align with previous dialogue with mediators.
The UN and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have called for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza and for border crossings to be reopened.
The UN is concerned about the potential consequences of a threatened Israeli ground invasion of Rafah, where approximately 1.4 million Palestinians are sheltering.
Israeli forces have sent tanks into Rafah and taken control of the nearby crossing on the border with Egypt, leading to international pressure to de-escalate the situation.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned that Israeli military action in Rafah, Gaza, could result in civilian casualties.
The White House stated that Israel informed the US its operation was aimed at stopping Hamas from smuggling weapons into Gaza.
Egypt called on Israeli authorities to show restraint, while the Organization for Islamic Cooperation denounced Israel's actions as criminal aggression.
Translation:
Translated by AI
