The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, has joined the chorus of criticism against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for proceeding with an attack on Rafah, a key city in the ongoing conflict. Despite Hamas agreeing to a draft ceasefire deal, Netanyahu has chosen to move forward with the attack, with Israeli forces seizing control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing, an essential entry point for aid to Gaza on the Egyptian border.
While the attack falls short of a full-scale operation on Rafah as threatened by Netanyahu, Borrell labeled it as a land offensive. He expressed disappointment in Netanyahu's decision, highlighting the international community's pleas for restraint, including calls from the US and EU member states.
Borrell warned of the potential for significant civilian casualties, particularly among the 600,000 children in Gaza who are at risk due to the escalating violence. He emphasized the lack of safe zones in Gaza, noting the challenges faced by residents in finding refuge from the conflict.
The head of the Norwegian Refugee Council's operations in Gaza echoed these concerns, emphasizing the lack of safe havens for civilians amidst the ongoing hostilities. The situation has been further complicated by the failure to reach a ceasefire agreement, with Hamas reportedly accepting the terms while Israel has rejected them.
Borrell described the lack of progress on a ceasefire as disheartening, underscoring the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians and work towards de-escalation.
