Growing International Concerns Over Israel’s Planned Offensive in Rafah, Gaza
Israel’s planned offensive in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza that is home to Palestinian refugees, has sparked growing international concerns. The UK Foreign Secretary, David Cameron, expressed worry over the situation, stating that “over half of Gaza’s population are sheltering in the area.” Similarly, Dutch FM Hanke Bruins Slot warned of potential civilian casualties, emphasizing the densely populated nature of the region. Saudi Arabia also issued a stern warning, stating that there could be “very serious repercussions” if Rafah was stormed. Hamas, the ruling party in Gaza, claimed that tens of thousands of casualties could occur.
The Israeli operations in the Palestinian enclave were initiated following an attack by Hamas gunmen that resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people in southern Israel on October 7th. Since then, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 27,900 people have been killed and at least 67,000 injured in Gaza. Many Gazans have sought refuge in Rafah after being forced to flee their homes multiple times.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his military to prepare for the evacuation of civilians from Rafah ahead of an expanded offensive against Hamas. His office stated that it is impossible to achieve the war’s goal without eliminating Hamas and that leaving four Hamas battalions in Rafah would hinder progress. Netanyahu also rejected Hamas’s latest proposed ceasefire terms. The United States, European Union, and United Nations have all expressed concerns about an invasion of Rafah as part of Israel’s assault on Gaza.
Aid groups have raised concerns about the feasibility of evacuating everyone from Rafah due to its proximity to Egypt. UN humanitarian coordinator Jamie McGoldrick, who recently assessed the situation in Gaza, highlighted the lack of safe areas for people in Rafah to move to if Israeli troops launch their offensive. He expressed fear that the situation could worsen, stating, “We are really fearful of the horrific nature of where we are could only ever get worse.”
Rafah is currently home to an estimated 1.5 million Palestinians seeking refuge from Israeli combat operations in other parts of the Gaza Strip. Most of them are living in tents, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
International leaders have voiced their concerns on social media platforms as well. David Cameron expressed deep concern about the prospect of a military offensive in Rafah, emphasizing the need for an immediate pause in fighting to provide aid and ensure the safety of hostages. Hanke Bruins Slot described the situation as “very worrying” and questioned how large-scale military operations in such a densely populated area would not lead to civilian casualties and a humanitarian catastrophe. The Saudi foreign ministry also demanded an immediate ceasefire and warned against targeting Rafah, which has become the last resort for hundreds of thousands of civilians forced to flee due to Israeli aggression.
In recent developments, at least five Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Rafah, according to the Palestinian news agency, Wafa. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that its air force killed two Hamas operatives in the southern city. Additionally, the IDF discovered a tunnel shaft near a school run by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), leading to an underground terrorist tunnel beneath UNRWA’s main headquarters. UNRWA head Philippe Lazzarini denied any knowledge of a Hamas tunnel near the agency’s office, stating that his staff had vacated the building months ago. Tragically, a six-year-old girl who had gone missing in Gaza City was found dead along with several relatives and two paramedics, seemingly targeted by Israeli tanks.
It is important to note that the BBC cannot independently verify many claims made during the course of the war.
The situation in Rafah continues to raise alarm bells among international leaders and humanitarian organizations. The densely populated area, filled with Palestinian refugees seeking safety, is at risk of becoming a battleground with devastating consequences. The international community must work together to find a sustainable solution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire.
