Failure to end the Rafah offensive “immediately” would undermine ties, according to a statement
The EU has urged Israel to end its military operation in Rafah in southern Gaza “immediately,” warning that a failure to do so would undermine relations with the bloc.
The warning comes as Israeli forces in recent days have pressed deeper into the city in pursuit of what they say are four Hamas battalions. The offensive was launched despite international calls to hold off to avoid mass civilian casualties as more than a million people fleeing the Israel-Hamas conflict have sought refuge in Rafah.
“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,” the EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
“Should Israel continue its military operation in Rafah, it would inevitably put a heavy strain on the EU’s relationship with Israel,” he cautioned.
The statement pointed out that the Israeli offensive is further disrupting the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza and is leading to “more internal displacement, exposure to famine and human suffering.”
While the EU “recognizes Israel’s right to defend itself,” it must do so in line with international humanitarian law and ensure the safety of civilians, the statement stressed, adding that West Jerusalem is obligated to allow and facilitate unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians.
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