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| Israeli PM plans attack on Rafah after promising 'powerful operation' (Photo: SAID KHATIB / AFP) |
This Thursday (15), the leaders of Canada, Australia and New Zealand warned the Israeli government against a ground operation in the city of Rafah, in the south of the Gaza Strip, believing that “it would be catastrophic”. In addition, they called for an immediate ceasefire in the enclave.
In a rare joint statement, the three Commonwealth countries called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to go down this path. “Approximately 1.5 million Palestinians have sought refuge in the region, including many of our citizens and their families. An expansion of military operations would be devastating. We urge the Israeli government not to go down this path. There is simply no place where civilians can go.” “Can go,” said the statement from the heads of state and government of the USallied countries.
Despite growing international pressure and a Palestinian death toll approaching 29,000 and more than 68,000 injured, Netanyahu is planning an attack on Rafah, promising a “powerful operation.”
But United Nations UnderSecretaryGeneral for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths said the idea of an evacuation to safety in Gaza was an “illusion.” Griffiths also stated that the possibility of the conflict spreading to Egypt “is right before our eyes in Rafah.”
Special Adviser on Genocide Prevention Alice Wairimu Nderitu also expressed concern about Israel's plans for a fullscale military invasion of Rafah, which many fear would have catastrophic consequences for civilians in the region. “The risk of atrocities being committed in the event of a fullscale military invasion of Rafah is serious, real and high. It is imperative that priority be given to the protection of civilians and that international humanitarian law is respected in all circumstances.” “No more violence and no more suffering for the most vulnerable, in Rafah and throughout the Gaza Strip,” Nderitu said, also emphasizing the need to unconditionally release all hostages and ensure that humanitarian assistance can reach those who need it most; and the need to accelerate negotiations so that further violence can be avoided and a sustainable ceasefire can be implemented.
The head of the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), Phillippe Lazzarini, indicated that he does not believe that UNRWA will be able to continue its operations if there is an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah.
Meanwhile, Arab countries are preparing to submit a Security Council resolution to the United Nations calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution must call for unhindered humanitarian assistance and the blocking of any movement of Gazans elsewhere, which Arab leaders say constitutes forced collective punishment in violation of international law. Palestinian envoy to the United Nations Riyad Mansour said it was “high time” for the UN to implement a ceasefire resolution. The US has already publicly stated that it rejects the draft resolution.
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