By Blessing Chinagorom
Australia, Canada and New Zealand have expressed grave concern over the indications that Israel is planning a ground offensive into Rafah, adding that such military operation into Rafah would be catastrophic.
Prime Ministers of Australia, Canada and New Zealand on Wednesday issued the following statement on reports of Israel’s planned military operation in Rafah.
Judging by the about 1.5 million Palestinians who are taking refuge in the area, including many of their citizens and their families.
“And with the humanitarian situation in Gaza already dire, the impacts on Palestinian civilians from an expanded military operation would be devastating”, these countries said.
These Prime Ministers urged the Israeli government not to go down this path, saying there is simply nowhere else for civilians to go. “There is growing international consensus”.
Adding that, “Israel must listen to its friends and must listen to international community. The protection of civilians is paramount and requirement under int’l humanitarian law. Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas”.
These countries called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, saying it’s urgently needed. “Hostages must be released. The need for humanitarian assistance in Gaza has never been greater. Rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian relief must be provided to civilians.
“The International Court of Justice has been clear: Israel must ensure the delivery of basic services and essential humanitarian assistance and must protect civilians. The Court’s decisions on provisional measures are binding.
“We are clear that a sustainable ceasefire is necessary to finding a path towards securing lasting peace for Israelis and Palestinians. Any ceasefire cannot be one sided.
“Hamas must lay down its arms and release all hostages immediately. We unequivocally condemn Hamas for its terror attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023 again.
“Ultimately, a negotiated political solution is needed to achieve lasting peace, security. Australia, Canada, and New Zealand remain steadfast in their commitment to a two-state solution, including creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, where Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in peace, security, and dignity”.
It was reported that after a terrifying night, dozens of trucks loaded with displaced Palestinians headed to the central region and the coastal strip of the city of Khan Yunis to escape death and destruction in the city of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli army announced that it had “succeeded” in releasing two Israeli hostages who were being held in a residential building in the city of Rafah during a combined attack carried out by the Israeli army and the Israeli Shin Bet, in cooperation with the air force, a naval division and another armoured vehicle.
