UN Official Warns of Potential ‘Slaughter’ in Israeli Assault on Rafah, Gaza
The situation in Rafah, Gaza’s southernmost city, has reached a critical point, with a top UN official warning of a potential “slaughter” if an Israeli assault were to take place. Martin Griffiths, the humanitarian chief, expressed deep concern over the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza, describing the ongoing assault as unprecedented in its intensity, brutality, and scope. The consequences of an invasion of Rafah would be catastrophic, he added.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has vowed to defeat Hamas gunmen who he claims are hiding in Rafah. However, Griffiths emphasized that over a million people are currently crammed into the city, facing imminent danger. The civilians in Rafah are already struggling with limited access to food and medicine, and they have nowhere safe to go. An Israeli invasion would only exacerbate the dire humanitarian situation in the city.
In an unusually strong statement, Griffiths criticized the lack of evacuation plans from Israel and stated that the United Nations would not participate in any forced displacement of people. The UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, reiterated this stance, emphasizing that the organization would not be party to such actions.
Rafah, a small city located in the southern part of the Gaza Strip on the border with Egypt, was home to approximately 250,000 people before the war. However, since Israel ordered civilians to evacuate south, its population has skyrocketed to an estimated 1.5 million. Many of these individuals are now living in tents under desperate conditions, with no viable alternatives.
Recent days have seen heavy Israeli airstrikes targeting Rafah, resulting in a significant loss of life. On Monday alone, at least 67 people were killed according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The situation has become increasingly dangerous for humanitarian workers as well, with reports of them being shot at, held at gunpoint, and even killed due to the breakdown in law and order.
As negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza resumed in Cairo, the international community intensified pressure on Israel to refrain from invading Rafah. Senior officials from the US, Israel, Egypt, and Qatar convened to discuss the situation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed hope for successful talks to prevent an Israeli attack on the city.
However, subsequent statements from the Egyptian State Information Service indicated that no breakthrough had been achieved during the meeting. While acknowledging the extreme danger of escalating operations in Rafah, no progress towards peace was announced.
World leaders have also voiced their concerns regarding the potential assault on Rafah. US President Joe Biden emphasized the need to protect civilians, while UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron urged Israel to carefully consider its actions before attacking the city.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas has already claimed numerous lives. Last year, Hamas-led gunmen launched attacks in Israel, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,200 people. In response, Israel initiated a military campaign in the Gaza Strip. The toll on Palestinians has been devastating, with over 28,400 deaths and more than 68,000 injuries reported since the war began, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
The situation in Rafah remains precarious, with the lives of over a million people hanging in the balance. The international community continues to exert pressure on Israel to find a peaceful resolution and avoid further bloodshed. As negotiations for a ceasefire persist, the world watches anxiously, hoping for a breakthrough that will spare Rafah from further devastation.