Israel Gaza: Netanyahu vows to press ahead with Rafah offensive
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted his troops will advance on the Gazan city of Rafah, defying outside pleas to reconsider.
Netanyahu orders army to prepare for ground assault in Rafah
Despite warnings from French President Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered his army to prepare for a ground assault on the Gazan city of Rafah. Macron expressed his concern about the human cost of Israel's operation in Gaza, while other leaders warned of the potential humanitarian disaster. However, Netanyahu remains determined to eliminate Hamas from Rafah and promised to fight until complete victory.
France's firm opposition to an Israeli offensive in Rafah, which could only lead to a humanitarian disaster of a new magnitude.
The prime ministers of Australia, Canada, and New Zealand also expressed their grave concern over a military operation in Rafah, emphasizing the devastating impact it would have on Palestinian civilians.
International leaders urge Israel to reconsider its offensive
French President Emmanuel Macron personally phoned Benjamin Netanyahu to request that Israel's operations in Gaza cease. Other leaders, including those from Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, issued a joint statement expressing their grave concern and urging the Israeli government not to proceed with the assault. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned about the situation of civilians in Rafah who have nowhere to go if a military operation takes place. Spain and the Republic of Ireland have requested an urgent examination of Israel's compliance with human rights obligations in Gaza by the EU.
Israel's previous instructions to seek refuge in Rafah
In the earlier days of the war, Israel instructed Palestinians to seek refuge in Rafah as their military moved against northern cities. Rafah, the southern-most city in Gaza, has a crossing point into Egypt where humanitarian aid has been allowed to enter. However, now Israeli authorities want civilians to relocate to a 'humanitarian zone' along the Mediterranean coast called al-Mawasi. Some displaced civilians in Rafah prefer to stay despite dire conditions and famine-like circumstances in Gaza City.
Israel's operations have primarily focused on Khan Younis in the south of Gaza, where thousands of displaced Palestinians sought shelter in Nasser hospital but are now being ordered to evacuate.
