26 countries of the 27 members of the European Union spoke with one voice. On Monday, February 19, everyone except Hungary called for an “immediate humanitarian pause” in Gaza. This demand means a “cessation of fighting” in order to then enable a permanent ceasefire, said the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, during a press conference. After a meeting of EU foreign ministers, he said the 26 countries were “very concerned” about the possibility of an offensive in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip. These states call on Israel not to carry out military actions in Rafah, said Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib on X. Follow our live stream.
New attacks in the Gaza Strip. Fighting continued Monday in the Gaza Strip, where Israel is threatening to continue its offensive against Hamas during Ramadan if the hostages are not released by then. The Hamas Health Ministry counted 107 dead in dozens of attacks in 24 hours, particularly on Rafah and the neighboring southern city of Khan Younes, where nearly one and a half million Palestinian civilians are stationed. A report that we cannot independently verify.
Israeli Minister Benny Gantz issues an ultimatum. “If the hostages are not home by Ramadan, fighting will continue everywhere, including in the Rafah region [à l’extrême sud de la bande de Gaza]“Israeli Minister Benny Gantz, a member of Benjamin Netanyahu’s war cabinet, warned on Sunday. Ramadan, the holy month of Muslims, must begin around March 10th. This statement comes despite international pressure aimed at protecting some 1.4 million Palestinians huddled in the city of Rafah.
The International Court of Justice discussed the consequences of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. The United Nations' highest court will hold hearings starting Monday on the legal consequences of Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories since 1967, with an unprecedented 52 countries called to testify. The United States, Russia and even China will address the judges for a week in The Hague, home of the International Court of Justice.
Lula compares Israel to the Nazis, “shameful” according to Benjamin Netanyahu.. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Sunday accused Israel of committing a “genocide” against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, comparing the Israeli offensive to the Nazi extermination of Jews. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reacted sharply, denouncing “shameful and serious” statements and summoning the Brazilian ambassador to Israel.