The European Union Commission has warned that Israel military operation in Rafah is disrupting the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza and is leading to more internal displacement, exposure to famine and human suffering.
In a statement released by the EU High Representative, Josep Borell on Wednesday while urged Israel to end its operation in Rafah immediately, saying Should this operation continue in Rafah, it would inevitably put a heavy strain on the relationship with Israel.
More than a million civilians are sheltering in and around Rafah, told to evacuate to areas that, according to United Nations, cannot be considered safe. While the EU recognized Israel’s right to defend itself, said Israel must do so in line with International Humanitarian Law and provide safety to civilians.
The European Union is calling on Israel to refrain from further exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and reopen the crossing point of Rafah. “Under International Humanitarian Law, Israel must allow and facilitate unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians”.
The Commission recalled that the International Court of Justice made this clear in its orders of 26 January and 28 March. In this regard, the European Union also condemned the attack by Hamas on the Kerem Shalom crossing which has further obstructed the delivery of humanitarian relief.
“We call on all parties to redouble their efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas”, the European Union Commission added.
Meanwhile, the UN has said 360,000 people have fled Rafah, in the south, since an offensive began a week ago.
The Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of the eastern third of the city, which is swollen with more than a million Palestinians taking refuge.
Over 1 million internally displaced Palestinians reside in the city, according to the UN. Several world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, have warned Israel several times against entering the city, for fear of huge civilian casualties.
Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza to destroy Hamas in response to the group’s cross-border attack on southern Israel on 7 October, during which about 1200 people were killed and 252 others were taken hostage.
More than 35,090 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.