Gaza Mediators Warn Against Rafah Ground Invasion
- In summary, Gazan officials have reported that Israeli air strikes in Rafah have resulted in the deaths of at least 44 Palestinians, including over a dozen children.
- On Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered plans for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people in preparation for a potential invasion.
- Neighboring countries are issuing warnings of potential consequences if a ground invasion is launched in Rafah.
Israel’s neighbors mediators warn against Rafah are expressing concerns about the potential disaster and repercussions that may arise if the Israeli military proceeds with a ground invasion in Rafah, a southern city in Gaza. Israel claims that this area is where remaining Hamas strongholds are located, as well as being home to over half of the population in the besieged territory.
Gazan officials have reported that Israeli air strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 44 Palestinians in Rafah, including more than a dozen children. These strikes occurred shortly after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his order for the military to plan the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people in anticipation of a possible invasion. However, no specific details or timeline were provided.
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Approximately 80% of the 2.3 million individuals residing in Gaza have been displaced, causing widespread panic. The majority of the population, over half, has sought refuge in Rafah, which shares a border with Egypt. This influx of people occurred after Israeli evacuation orders were issued, covering two-thirds of the territory, in response to the Hamas attack on October 7 that ignited the ongoing conflict. However, the question remains as to where these displaced individuals can go next.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, expressed concern over the potential consequences of an Israeli ground offensive on Rafah, emphasizing that such an action would be disastrous. He further stated that Israel’s ultimate goal is to force the Palestinians out of their land. Egypt has also cautioned that any movement of Palestinians into their country would jeopardize the longstanding peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.
Qatar, another mediator in the conflict, echoed the warning of impending disaster, while Saudi Arabia emphasized the likelihood of very serious repercussions. Additionally, tensions have been mounting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the United States. US officials have voiced their apprehension, stating that an invasion of Rafah without a comprehensive plan for the safety of civilians would undoubtedly lead to catastrophe.
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Gaza Mediators Warn Against Rafah Ground Invasion
“The people in Gaza cannot simply vanish,” emphasized German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on X, expressing her concern that an Israeli offensive in Rafah would result in a “looming humanitarian catastrophe.”
As part of its ongoing ground combat in Khan Younis, just north of Rafah, Israel has been conducting near-daily airstrikes in the area. Rafah serves as a crucial entry point for much-needed food and medical supplies into Gaza.
Tragically, on Saturday night, a series of airstrikes targeted residential homes in Rafah, resulting in the deaths of 28 individuals, including 10 children as young as 3 months old. These distressing figures were confirmed by a health official and Associated Press journalists who witnessed the arrival of bodies at local hospitals.
Furthermore, an Israeli airstrike on another home in Rafah claimed the lives of at least 11 people, including three children, according to Ahmed al-Soufi, the head of Rafah municipality.
Additionally, two separate strikes in Rafah resulted in the deaths of two policemen and three senior officers from the civil police, as reported by city officials.
It is crucial to acknowledge the dire situation unfolding in Gaza and the potential consequences of a ground invasion in Rafah. The international community must take immediate action to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza.
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