The European Union is urgently calling on Israel to immediately cease its military operation in Rafah – a city in the southern Gaza strip considered a central hub for the remaining brigades of the Hamas terrorist organization – warning of damage to relations if the operation continues.
In a special statement released by EU Foreign Affairs Chief Josep Borrell, he stated that the operation is further disrupting the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza and leading to an increase in the displaced persons crisis in the strip. Borrell added that it is raising the risk of famine and exacerbating suffering.
"More than a million civilians are sheltering in and around Rafah and have been told to evacuate to areas that, according to the United Nations, cannot be considered safe. While the EU recognizes Israel's right to defend itself, Israel must do so in line with International Humanitarian Law and provide safety to civilians," Borell says, following Israel's evacuation of civilians to humanitarian areas last week.
The statement further stated that Israel must allow for the smooth passage of humanitarian aid for civilians, and added that "In this regard, the European Union also condemns the attack by Hamas on the Kerem Shalom crossing which has further obstructed the delivery of humanitarian relief," and warns that failure to heed the EU's call "would inevitably put a heavy strain on the EU's relationship with Israel."
The statement concluded with a call on all sides to redouble efforts to achieve a ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas.
