In a bold move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israeli troops will continue their advance on the Gazan city of Rafah, despite appeals from foreign leaders to reconsider. The latest plea came from French President Emmanuel Macron, who expressed deep concern over the human cost of Israel’s operation in Gaza. However, Netanyahu remains resolute in his decision and has ordered his army to prepare for a ground assault. This announcement has garnered international attention and raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
Rafah, a city with a population of 1.4 million Palestinians, has already been subjected to intense bombardment. Netanyahu insists that a “powerful” assault is necessary to eliminate Hamas, the group in control of Gaza. He has reiterated his commitment to fighting until “complete victory” is achieved, promising to take action in Rafah once the civilian population has been safely evacuated.
President Macron phoned Netanyahu to convey France’s opposition to an Israeli offensive in Rafah. Macron emphasized the potential for a humanitarian disaster of unprecedented proportions if the assault were to continue. Similarly, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, while visiting Israel, expressed concerns about the plight of the residents of Rafah who have nowhere to go. She stressed that these individuals cannot simply disappear and urged Netanyahu to consider the impact of his actions.
Spain and the Republic of Ireland, both members of the European Union, have called for an urgent examination of Israel’s compliance with human rights obligations in Gaza. Under their accord with the EU, adherence to human rights is tied to trade agreements. The goal is to ensure that Israel’s actions in Gaza align with international standards and do not result in the violation of human rights.
The health ministry in Gaza, controlled by Hamas, has reported a high number of casualties, with at least 28,576 people killed, predominantly women and children, due to Israel’s offensive. This figure starkly contrasts with the approximately 1,200 people killed by Hamas-led gunmen during a surprise attack on Israel’s territory. Israel responded with military action, prompting the displacement of Palestinians who were instructed to seek refuge in Rafah.
Rafah holds strategic significance as it is the southernmost city in Gaza and hosts a crossing point into Egypt, allowing humanitarian aid to enter the Strip. However, Israeli authorities are now urging civilians to relocate to a designated “humanitarian zone” along the Mediterranean coast called al-Mawasi. This strip of land is primarily used for agriculture. One displaced resident, Ahlam Abu Assi, revealed her desperate situation, stating that she would rather die in Rafah than return to famine-like conditions experienced by her relatives in Gaza City.
Khan Younis, another city in Gaza, has been the main target of Israel’s military operations in the south thus far. Many displaced Palestinians sought refuge in Nasser hospital there, but they are now being ordered to evacuate. Netanyahu’s decision to continue his offensive comes following inconclusive peace negotiations involving officials from the US, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar. Israel’s prime ministerial office released a statement expressing disappointment in Hamas’ lack of a new hostage deal offer and its “ludicrous demands”.
The impact of Netanyahu’s insistence on proceeding with the offensive is significant. It further exacerbates the existing tensions in the region, brings the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into international focus, and amplifies concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The international community, including France, Germany, Spain, and Ireland, continues to exert pressure on Israel to reevaluate its actions and consider the well-being of civilians in Rafah. Only time will tell how this situation will unfold, but the stakes are undoubtedly high.
