Rafah offensive

Page extended-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rafah offensive
Part of the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip

Israeli tanks in Rafah
Date6 May 2024 – present
Location
Rafah, Gaza Strip
Status Ongoing:
Belligerents
 Israel  Hamas
Palestinian Islamic Jihad[1]
Units involved

 Israel Defense Forces

 Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades

  • Rafah Brigade
  • 3 other brigades[5]
Al-Quds Brigades
Strength
3,000-5,000 soldiers[3] Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown 20 gunmen killed (per Israel)
From 6 May: 27 civilians killed[6]
150 civilians injured

The Rafah offensive is an ongoing offensive in the city of Rafah, the southernmost area of the Gaza Strip, part of Israel's invasion of the strip during the Israel–Hamas war. When ceasefire talks faltered, Israel entered Rafah on 6 May 2024,[7] taking control of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing.[8]

More than a million displaced Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have sought shelter in Rafah as a result of Israel's invasion. Israel states that it aims to eliminate Hamas brigades it says are located in the city.[5] The international community has warned of a humanitarian crisis if the offensive proceeds. Egypt, concerned about a possible refugee crisis in the Sinai Peninsula, increased security on its border with Gaza.[9]

On May 6, Israel ordered the evacuation of Palestinians from eastern Rafah to areas in central Gaza and Khan Yunis.[10] Later that day, Hamas accepted a ceasefire deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar, but Israel did not accept the ceasefire deal and indicated that the offensive would continue before any pause.[11] Israel conducted airstrikes on Rafah the same day, and invaded that night.[7] Israel said it wouldn’t stop unless Hamas was eliminated or hostages were released.[12]

Background

Main article: Background of the Rafah offensive

Since the start of the Israel–Hamas war, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip sought shelter in the southernmost area of Rafah, adjacent to the borders with Egypt.[13][14] With other cities in Gaza depopulated, Rafah became the most populous city in the Palestinian territories, with more than 1.4 million people.[15]

Israel announced it’s intentions to invade Rafah in February 2024, which met backlash from the international community. The United States, Israel’s largest military supplier, also opposed an offensive.[16]

On 12 February, Israel carried out Operation Golden Hand, a raid in Rafah to rescue two hostages. To distract Hamas during the operation, Israel carried out strikes in the city, killing more than 80 people.[17]

That same day, South Africa, as part of its genocide case against Israel, requested that the International Court of Justice impose additional measures on Israel to not invade Rafah.[18] Israel claimed it had a right to defend itself by entering Rafah to eliminate Hamas.[19] The court rejected the measure, saying it’s provisional measures already prevented Israel from an invasion.[20]

Prelude

Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas had reached the closest to success in May. Hamas was expected to agree to a deal that resulted in the release of hostages and an end to the war. However, Israel and Hamas disagreed on the issue of ending the war completely after a hostage deal, with Israel would 'under no circumstances' accept a deal with such provisions. This led to the faltering of negotiations.[21][22]

On 5 May, more than 10 rockets were launched from the Rafah area toward Kerem Shalom, killing three Israeli soldiers and wounding 11.[23] Hamas took responsibility for the attack. Negotiations collapsed, and Israel began to strike Rafah,[24] killing five people.[25] On 6 May, the IDF ordered the evacuation of civilians from eastern Rafah to parts of central Gaza and Khan Yunis.[10] An offensive seemed imminent, and the evacuation was condemned by multiple countries.[26] Later that day, Hamas accepted a ceasefire deal from Egypt and Qatar. The deal included a 6-week ceasefire and exchange of prisoners.[11] The Israeli war cabinet voted to invade Rafah nonetheless.[27] Israel said it would send a delegation to discuss the deal, but that it would carry out the offensive first.[11]

Offensive

On 6 May, before and during the offensive, Israel struck Rafah at least 50 times.[28] Later that day, in a limited invasion, the IDF entered the outskirts of Rafah and approached the Rafah Border Crossing and Egyptian border.[7][27] 20 Hamas gunmen were killed in the operation, according to Israel.[29] On the morning of 7 May, Israel captured the crossing.[30] Hamas shelled the Kerem Shallom crossing from Rafah again.[29] Israel's Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, stated that the operation wouldn’t stop unless Hamas was eliminated or hostages were released.[12]

Humanitarian impact

When Israel ordered the evacuation of eastern Rafah, Israel extended the al-Mawasi ‘humanitarian zone’ to other parts of central Gaza and Khan Yunis. Israel said the zone comprised of field hospitals, tents, and enhanced provisions of food, water, medicine, and other essential supplies.[10] However, Palestinians and aid groups say that designated safe zones have previously been bombed by the Israeli military.[31] Refugees in the area also warned that the area was overcrowded and still lacking supplies.[32] UN and European officials said the safe zone is neither safe nor properly equipped and warned that the order to evacuate Rafah may amount to a war crime.[33]

Because of the offensive, Israel closed Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings, both key for aid into Gaza. Aid agencies said the closures could worsen the ongoing humanitarian crisis.[34] The UN called for the crossings to be reopened immediately.[35]

After the initial Israeli strikes, the Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah reportedly received 27 dead and 150 wounded people.[36] Medics warned that thousands of civilians could die in the offensive.[37]

International reactions

Africa

  •  South Africa: The country urged the ICJ to consider action on Israel's planned offensive.[38] In a statement, South African foreign minister Naledi Pandor stated, "South Africa is totally horrified at what is continuing to happen to the people of Gaza, the West Bank, and now Rafah. We believe this confirms the allegation tabled before the ICJ that genocide is under way in the Palestinian territories".[39]

Americas

  •  Brazil: After the Israeli forces seized the Rafah crossing in 7 May, the Brazilian foreign ministry condemned the offensive.[40]
  •  Canada: The country called for a ceasefire in a joint statement with Australia and New Zealand, which stated "We are gravely concerned by indications that Israel is planning a ground offensive into Rafah. A military operation into Rafah would be catastrophic."[41] Foreign Minister Melanie Joly had previously[a] stated that Canada was "deeply concerned" about an Israeli invasion of Rafah.[42]
  •  United States: The United States, Israel's largest military supplier, supposedly did not approve of plans to invade.[16] An offensive in Rafah under the IDF plan became a supposed red line for the Biden administration, causing a supposed rift in relations between the U.S. and Israel.[43] Nonetheless, on March 29, 2024, President Biden authorized the transfer of billions of dollars in bombs and fighter jets to Israel to replenish Israel's military.[44] President Joe Biden opposed "any forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza" and reaffirmed his stance that Israel should not continue with the military assault on Rafah "without a credible and executable plan" to ensure the safety of civilians.[45][46] Initially, three U.S. officials told Politico in February 2024 that Israel would not face consequences from the United States if they were to invade Rafah and kill civilians.[47] By March 2024, however, unnamed U.S. officials told Politico that Biden would consider conditioning military aid to Israel if it were to invade Rafah.[48]

Asia

  •  China: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China stated, "China follows closely the developments in the Rafah area, opposes and condemns actions that harm civilians and violate international law" and demanded Israel "stop its military operation as soon as possible".[49]
  •  Japan: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement that it was deeply concerned about an Israeli military operation in Rafah, stating, "It is crucial to improve the humanitarian situation as soon as possible".[50]
  •  South Korea: The foreign ministry expressed deep concern over Israel's plans and urged for the protection of civilians under international laws.[51]

Europe

  •  European Union: Foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated, "Reports of an Israeli military offensive on Rafah are alarming. It would have catastrophic consequences worsening the already dire humanitarian situation and the unbearable civilian toll."[52] On 19 February, every single member state of the European Union, with the exception of Hungary, asked the Israeli military not to take military action in Rafah.[53]
  •  Belgium: Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has warned that Israel's incursion "would cause a further unmitigated humanitarian catastrophe and result in the death of numerous innocent civilians, again mostly children and women."[54]
  •  Denmark: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement on X, said that "Denmark shares the concern of EU and others regarding a potential Israeli military offensive in Rafah where more than half of Gaza's population is seeking refuge."[55]
  •  France: Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné stated an Israeli assault on Rafah would be unjustified.[56] In a phone call, Emmanuel Macron told Netanyahu that he was opposed to a military invasion of Rafah.[57] On 16 February, Macron stated, "I share the fears of Jordan and Egypt of a forced and massive displacement of the population".[58]
  •  Germany: Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock stated, "Taking action now in Rafah, the last and most overcrowded place, as announced by the Israeli defence minister, would simply not be justifiable".[59] On 14 February, Baerbock stated, "If the Israeli army were to launch an offensive on Rafah... it would be a humanitarian catastrophe."[60] On 17 February, Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed Germany's support for Israel's "security", but also warned Israeli leaders to abide by international law.[61] On 16 March, Scholz stated, "There is a danger that a comprehensive offensive in Rafah will result in many terrible civilian casualties, which must be strictly prohibited".[62]
  •  Ireland: Micheál Martin stated an Israeli invasion of Rafah would entail "grave violations of international humanitarian law".[63]
  •  Italy: Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated, "We will reiterate our opposition to military action on the ground by Israel in Rafah that could have even more catastrophic consequences for the civilians".[64]
  •  Luxembourg: Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel told Israel they risked losing "the last support they have in the world" if they attacked Rafah.[65]
  •  Netherlands: Foreign Minister, Hanke Bruins Slot, stated that Israel's planned assault on Rafah was "unjustifiable".[66] Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated, "An Israeli offensive in Rafah would cause a humanitarian disaster".[67]
  •  Slovenia: The Prime Minister Robert Golob stated, "There is a common consensus in saying that we should do everything we can to prevent an attack on Rafah."[68]
  •  Spain: The country signed a joint statement with the government of Ireland stating, "The expanded Israeli military operation in the Rafah area poses a grave and imminent threat that the international community must urgently confront".[69]
  •  United Kingdom: Foreign Minister David Cameron stated, "We think it is impossible to see how you can fight a war amongst these people. There's nowhere for them to go... what we want is an immediate pause in the fighting, and we want that pause to lead to a ceasefire".[70]

Middle East

  •  Arab League: Chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit stated any attempt to displace Palestinians would cause the "Middle East [to] explode in an unprecedented way" and create "a confrontation for the next thousand years".[71]
  •  Egypt: The country denied claims that it would suspend the Egypt–Israel peace treaty if Israel invaded Rafah as long as Israel also adheres to its part of the treaty.[46][72] Egypt warned that a refugee crisis would occur in Sinai and sent 40 tanks to its border with Israel.[9] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated there would be "dire consequences" if Israel invaded Rafah.[73]
  •  GCC: stated an invasion of Rafah would be a "blatant violation of international law".[74]
  •  Hamas: The group said that an assault on Rafah would mean a breakdown in negotiations on a truce and prisoner exchange that have been ongoing for weeks.[45][75]
  •  Jordan: King Abdullah II said that the world "cannot afford" an Israeli assault on Rafah as it would create another humanitarian catastrophe.[46]
  •  Oman: The Foreign Ministry stated, "We warn of the serious repercussions of the continuation of the occupation in its indiscriminate aggression in the Gaza Strip and its plans to storm Rafah."[76]
  •  Palestine: President Mahmoud Abbas stated the impending Israeli invasion of Rafah would create "another Nakba, which will push the whole region into endless wars".[77]
  •  Qatar: The country urged the United Nations Security Council to prevent Israel from committing genocide and warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah.[45]
  •  Saudi Arabia: The foreign ministry warned of "very serious repercussions of storming and targeting" Rafah.[45] In a later statement, the foreign ministry stated Israel's planned invasion of Rafah was part of a "continued violation of international law and international humanitarian law".[78]
  •  Turkey: The foreign ministry stated, "We consider this operation as part of a plan to expel the people of Gaza from their own land... We call on the international community, in particular the UN Security Council, to take the necessary steps to stop Israel."[79]

Oceania

  •  Australia: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a joint statement with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada and Christopher Luxon of New Zealand, stating that "There is simply nowhere else for civilians to go," and Israel "must listen to its friends".[51]
  •  New Zealand: The Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon warned Israel along with the Prime Ministers of Australia and Canada that an invasion of Rafah would lead to humanitarian catastrophe [51]

International organizations

Humanitarian aid groups

Save the Children stated, "Where is there left for the population to go? They have been already moved from the north of Gaza, from the central areas of Gaza – moved around like pieces on a chess board to achieve military objectives. There is nowhere left for them to move."[80] The Norwegian Refugee Council stated, "An expansion of hostilities could turn Rafah into a zone of bloodshed and destruction that people won't be able to escape. There is nowhere left for people to flee to."[81] Omar Shakir, the Human Rights Watch director for Israel and Palestine stated, "There's nowhere safe to go in Gaza. The ICJ has ordered Israel to prevent genocide. The [international] community should act to prevent further atrocities."[82]

Al Mezan Center stated, "The international community must act now to halt the ground invasion of Rafah."[83] The Carter Center stated "Ordering this new wave of displacement of Palestinians will further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis".[84] Doctors Without Borders stated, "Israel's declared ground offensive on Rafah would be catastrophic and must not proceed".[85] The International Committee of the Red Cross called on Israel to "spare and protect civilian lives and infrastructure".[86] On 13 February, the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention issued an SOS alert, stating the attacks on Rafah had "worsened the already horrific humanitarian situation".[87]

A joint statement signed by Oxfam, Amnesty International, ActionAid, War Child, the Danish Refugee Council and Handicap International stated, "We are appalled by the harrowing developments in Rafah, Gaza's most populated area where 1.5 million people are sheltering as their last resort – over half a million of them children".[88] In an interview, the president of the American Near East Refugee Aid stated, "If a Rafah operation happens, I just can't imagine how anything survives."[89]

United Nations

In advance of an expected ground invasion of Rafah, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres stated, "Such an action would exponentially increase what is already a humanitarian nightmare with untold regional consequences."[90] The UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis stated, "I am shocked and deeply dismayed by the news of an Israeli military offensive into the south of the Gaza Strip. I join the Secretary-General in pleading on behalf of the multitudes of innocent civilians with nowhere safe to go".[91] The World Food Programme stated it was deeply concerned by a military offensive in Rafah.[92]

Catherine M. Russell, the president of UNICEF, stated, "Some 1.3M civilians are pushed into a corner, living on streets or shelters. They must be protected. They have nowhere safe to go".[93] Martin Griffiths, the UN humanitarian aid coordinator, stated, "The scenario we have long dreaded is unraveling at alarming speed... Military operations in Rafah could lead to a slaughter in Gaza."[94] Sigrid Kaag stated an offensive on Rafah would be disastrous.[95] On 14 February, the World Health Organization stated an attack on Rafah would "expand the humanitarian disaster beyond imagination [and] push the health system closer to the brink of collapse".[96]

The International Court of Justice rejected a request by South Africa for additional provision measures preventing a Rafah offensive but urged Israel to adhere to existing provisional measures while expressing concern over a "humanitarian nightmare".[97][98] Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the UN's special adviser on the prevention of genocide, stated that the risk of atrocities during an Israeli offensive on Rafah were "serious, real and high".[99] Filippo Grandi, the UN's high commissioner for refugees, stated an exodus of Palestinians from Gaza would be "a disaster for the future of peace".[100]

The Inter-Agency Standing Committee – a coalition of UN agencies and non-UN humanitarian organization – stated that an Israeli attack on Rafah would "deal a death blow to a humanitarian response that is already on its knees".[101] Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the secretary-general of WHO, stated he feared a ground-scale invasion of Rafah, since people sheltering there were "out of options for where to go".[102] Volker Turk, the UN human rights chief, stated a Rafah offensive "would take the nightmare being inflicted on people in Gaza into a new, dystopian, dimension".[103] Paula Gaviria Betancur, the UN special rapporteur on the rights of internally displaced persons, stated, "Any evacuation order imposed on Rafah under the current conditions, with the rest of Gaza lying in ruins, would be in flagrant violation of international humanitarian law".[104]

Notes

  1. ^ On 11 February

References

  1. ^ "IDF conducts wave of strikes near Philadelphi Corridor". 3 March 2024. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
  2. ^ "Israel takes control of Rafah crossing, Gaza's lifeline: What's going on?". Al Jazeera.
  3. ^ a b Motamedi, Maziar; Siddiqui, Usaid (6 May 2024). "Updates Israel's war on Gaza updates: Israel hits Rafah as Hamas accepts truce deal". Al Jazeera English. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  4. ^ "Institute for the Study of War". Archived from the original on 15 February 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  5. ^ a b Boxerman, Aaron; Abuheweila, Iyad (9 February 2024). "Netanyahu Asks Military for Plans to Evacuate Rafah, Where 1.4 Million Are Sheltering". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 10 February 2024. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  6. ^ "Israel's war on Gaza live: Full Rafah invasion a 'humanitarian nightmare' | Israel War on Gaza News | Al Jazeera".
  7. ^ a b c "Hamas accepts Gaza cease-fire; Israel says it will continue talks but is conducting strikes in Rafah". apnews.com. AP News. 6 May 2024. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  8. ^ https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/05/07/rafah-israel-gaza-egypt-crossing/
  9. ^ a b Hassan, Ahmed; Lewis, Aidan. "Egypt steps up security on border as Israeli offensive in Gaza nears". Reuters. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  10. ^ a b c "IDF begins evacuating civilians from eastern Rafah northward". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 6 May 2024. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  11. ^ a b c "Hamas accepts Gaza ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar". CNN. 6 May 2024. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  12. ^ a b Fabian, Emanuel (7 May 2024). "Gallant: Rafah op will continue until Hamas rooted out or hostage deal reached". Times of Israel. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  13. ^ "IDF: Completed Siege of Khan Yunis; Hezbollah: Attacked Airbase in Israel's North". Haaretz. Archived from the original on 2 February 2024. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  14. ^ Kim, Victoria (24 January 2024). "Israel Orders Evacuation of Packed Gaza Area With 2 Major Hospitals". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 23 February 2024. Retrieved 25 January 2024.
  15. ^ "ActionAid: Conditions in Rafah at breaking point, with over one million displaced people". wafa agency.
  16. ^ a b Armstrong, Kathryn; Bateman, Tom; Jackson, Patrick (8 February 2024). "Israel-Gaza war: US says it will not back unplanned Rafah offensive". BBC News. BBC. Archived from the original on 9 February 2024. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  17. ^ Kingsley, Patrick (12 February 2024). "Here is how Israel said it freed 2 hostages from Gaza". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  18. ^ Chutel, Lynsey (13 February 2024). "South Africa Asks Top U.N. Court to Act Against Israel's Plans for Rafah". The New York Times. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  19. ^ "Observations of the State of Israel on the Republic of South Africa's "Urgent Request for Additional Measures Under Article 75(1) of the Rules of Court"" (PDF). International Court of Justice. The Hague. 12 February 2024. p. 3. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  20. ^ Corder, Mike (16 February 2024). "Top UN court rejects South African request for urgent measures to safeguard Rafah". ABC News. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  21. ^ "Hamas indicates it may agree to deal; Israeli official insists truce won't end war". Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 5 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
  22. ^ "Netanyahu: Ending war as part of hostage deal would keep Hamas as threat to Israel". timesofisrael.com. Times of Israel. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  23. ^ Kraus, Yair (5 May 2024). "Injuries in rocket strike to south, power outages after rockets hit Galilee". Ynetnews. Archived from the original on 5 May 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  24. ^ "Seven wounded in Hamas rocket barrage toward Kerem Shalom, aid crossing closed". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 5 May 2024. Archived from the original on 5 May 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  25. ^ "Five civilians, including woman and a child, killed in Israeli bombing in Rafah". english.wafa.ps. Palestine News and Info Agency. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  26. ^ "Hamas says it approves a cease-fire proposal; Israel is 'considering' its response". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  27. ^ a b "Israel-Gaza war live: Israel 'plans to proceed with Rafah invasion plans' after Hamas ceasefire announcement". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  28. ^ "Israel-Gaza live updates: Hamas says it has agreed to a cease-fire proposal". ABC News. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
  29. ^ a b "Israel-Gaza latest: 'Aid halted' as Israel takes control of Rafah crossing". Sky News. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  30. ^ "May 6, 2024 Israel-Hamas war". CNN. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  31. ^ Shankar, Vivek; Stack, Liam; Rasgon, Adam; Levenson, Michael (6 May 2024). "Israel Orders Partial Evacuation of Rafah, Fueling Fears of New Offensive". The New York Times – via NYTimes.com.
  32. ^ "Gaza war: Where has Israel told Rafah displaced to go?". BBC. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  33. ^ Kershner, Isabel; Vinograd, Cassandra (7 May 2024). "Live Updates: Israeli Tanks Enter Rafah and Take Control of Border Crossing" – via NYTimes.com.
  34. ^ Vinograd, Cassandra (7 May 2024). "Israel's Closures of 2 Gaza Border Crossings Prompt Alarm Over Humanitarian Aid". The New York Times – via NYTimes.com.
  35. ^ "UN Chief calls on Israel to reopen Rafah and Karm Abu Salem crossings immediately". WAFA.
  36. ^ Stack, Liam; Ahmad, Rawan Sheikh (7 May 2024). "Two Dozen Bodies Brought to Rafah Hospital, Doctor Says". The New York Times – via NYTimes.com.
  37. ^ "Israeli seizure of Rafah crossing could lead to thousands of deaths, say Gaza medics". The Irish Times. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  38. ^ "South Africa urges ICJ to consider action on Israel's planned Rafah assault". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  39. ^ "'Genocide is under way in the Palestinian territories': South Africa". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 17 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  40. ^ "Israel's war on Gaza live: Full Rafah invasion a 'humanitarian nightmare' | Israel War on Gaza News | Al Jazeera".
  41. ^ Jackson, Lewis (14 February 2024). "Canada, Australia, NZ call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza ahead of Rafah assault". Reuters. Archived from the original on 13 March 2024. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  42. ^ "Canada warns Israel of 'devastating impact' of planned offensive in Rafah". Al Jazeera. 10 February 2024. Archived from the original on 10 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  43. ^ "Israel determined to take Rafah despite 'potential breach' with U.S." reuters.com. Reuters. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  44. ^ "US has agreed to send more bombs and warplanes to Israel, sources say | Reuters". Reuters.
  45. ^ a b c d Regan, Helen (12 February 2024). "Israeli airstrikes kill more than 100 in Rafah as international alarm mounts over anticipated ground offensive". CNN. Archived from the original on 15 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  46. ^ a b c Osgood, Brian (12 February 2024). "'Unjustified': Calls to prevent Rafah offensive grow after night of bombing". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 12 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  47. ^ Ward, Alexander (13 February 2024). "US won't punish Israel for Rafah op that doesn't protect civilians". Politico. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  48. ^ Ward, Alexander. "If Israel invades Rafah, Biden will consider conditioning military aid to Israel". Politico. Archived from the original on 14 March 2024. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  49. ^ "Pressure mounts on Israel for Gaza ceasefire as China warns of 'serious humanitarian disaster'". South China Morning Post. Agence France-Presse. 13 February 2024. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  50. ^ "Japan 'deeply concerned' about Israel's operations in Rafah". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  51. ^ a b c "World leaders warn Israel against 'catastrophic' Rafah ground offensive". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 15 February 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  52. ^ "EU foreign policy chief expresses alarm over planned Israeli assault on Rafah". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 9 February 2024. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  53. ^ "EU countries, except Hungary, urge 'immediate' pause in Gaza war". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 20 February 2024. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  54. ^ Adler, Nils; Osgood, Brian (13 February 2024). "Israeli snipers kill three at Nasser Hospital: Gaza Health Ministry". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  55. ^ "Denmark shares EU's concern over potential Israeli military offensive in Rafah". www.aa.com.tr. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  56. ^ Samuels, Ben. "U.S. Opposes Israeli Rafah Raid Without Plan for Displaced Gazans; EU Chief Diplomat Urges Aid Cut". Haaretz. Archived from the original on 19 March 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  57. ^ Ngendakumana, Piere Emanuel (14 February 2024). "Macron tells Netanyahu France is against Israeli offensive in Rafah". Politico. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
  58. ^ "Israeli attack on Rafah would be 'turning point': Macron". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 17 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  59. ^ Yadav, Danita (3 February 2024). "Germany Warns Israel Against Offensive In Rafah – The Last 'Refuge' For Gazans". Times Now. Archived from the original on 3 February 2024. Retrieved 4 February 2024.
  60. ^ "Germany says Israeli assault on Rafah would be 'humanitarian catastrophe'". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 16 February 2024. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
  61. ^ Marsi, Federica; Siddiqui, Usaid. "Israel unleashes wave of strikes on central Gaza, kills 8 Palestinians". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 17 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  62. ^ "Germany calls for large-scale aid access to Gaza; no Rafah attack". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 19 March 2024. Retrieved 19 March 2024.
  63. ^ "Assault on Rafah would entail 'grave violations' of international law: Irish foreign minister". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 13 February 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  64. ^ "PM says Italy opposed to Israeli ground operation in Rafah". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 22 March 2024. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  65. ^ "Irish FM: EU 'must do everything possible' to stop Rafah attack". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 21 February 2024. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
  66. ^ "Israeli offensive in Rafah would be 'unjustifiable': Dutch minister". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 10 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  67. ^ "Dutch PM Rutte calls on Netanyahu to step up humanitarian aid into Gaza". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 16 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
  68. ^ "'We should do everything we can to prevent attack on Rafah': Slovenian PM". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 18 February 2024. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  69. ^ O'Carroll, Lisa (14 February 2024). "Ireland and Spain demand EU reviews Israel trade deal over rights obligations". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 15 February 2024. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
  70. ^ Braithwaite, Sharon (12 February 2024). "Israel should "stop and think" before Rafah offensive, UK foreign secretary says". CNN. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  71. ^ "Arab League chief warns Israel against forcefully displacing Palestinians". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 15 February 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  72. ^ Ebrahim, Nadeen (13 February 2024). "Egypt on edge as Israel's war presses more than a million Palestinians up against its border". CNN. Archived from the original on 13 February 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  73. ^ "Egypt warns of 'dire consequences' of Rafah assault". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 11 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  74. ^ "Rafah invasion plans 'blatant violation of international law': GCC chief". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 13 February 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  75. ^ "Hamas warns Israeli invasion of Rafah will 'torpedo' truce talks". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 12 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  76. ^ "Oman warns against Israel's plans to storm Rafah". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 13 February 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
  77. ^ "PA President Abbas says Israel planning to force Palestinians out of Gaza with Rafah plan". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 9 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  78. ^ "Saudi Arabia warns of 'dangerous repercussions' of attacking Rafah". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 10 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  79. ^ "No: 28, 12 February 2024, Regarding the Israeli Attacks on Rafah City in Gaza". Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C. Republic Of Türkiye Ministry Of Foreign Affairs. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  80. ^ "Civilians in Gaza moved around like chess pieces, says Save the Children country director". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 8 February 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
  81. ^ "'Zone of bloodshed': NGO warns against Israeli ground attack on Rafah". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 8 February 2024. Retrieved 9 February 2024.
  82. ^ "Human Rights Watch says Rafah evacuation would have 'catastrophic' consequences". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 9 February 2024. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  83. ^ "Gaza rights group says 'time is running out' to stop Rafah incursion". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 9 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  84. ^ "Former US president's non-profit joins calls for Israel to abort Rafah assault". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 10 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  85. ^ "Israel's ground offensive on Rafah 'must not proceed': Doctors Without Borders". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  86. ^ "Gaza: Increased armed hostilities in Rafah pose disastrous risk to civilian lives and infrastructure". International Committee of the Red Cross. 14 February 2024. Archived from the original on 16 February 2024. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
  87. ^ "Genocide think-tank condemns attacks on Rafah, UNRWA funding cuts". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 15 February 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  88. ^ "Aid and rights groups warn of 'catastrophic' Rafah assault". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 18 February 2024. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
  89. ^ Chotiner, Isaac (14 March 2024). "Why Biden's Floating Pier Is Unlikely to Meet Gaza's Needs". The New Yorker. Archived from the original on 17 March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.{{cite magazine}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  90. ^ "UN chief warns Israeli assault on Rafah would have 'untold' consequences". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 7 February 2024. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
  91. ^ "UN General Assembly President 'dismayed' by plan for Israeli assault on Rafah". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 9 February 2024. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
  92. ^ "World Food Programme says relief efforts 'constantly hampered'". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 13 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  93. ^ "Civilians in Rafah must be protected: UNICEF chief". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 11 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  94. ^ "Israeli assault on Rafah could lead to 'slaughter in Gaza': UN aid chief". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 13 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
  95. ^ "Gaza: Israeli advance on Rafah would have 'dire humanitarian consequences'". UN News. United Nations. 19 February 2024. Archived from the original on 20 February 2024. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  96. ^ Mantovani, Cécile. "WHO warns assault on Gaza's Rafah would be an 'unfathomable catastrophe'". Reuters. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
  97. ^ "ICJ demands implementation of Gaza measures, but no new action on Rafah". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 16 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  98. ^ "ICJ rejects request to prevent Israeli operation in Rafah". www.israelnationalnews.com. Archived from the original on 16 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  99. ^ "UN warns of 'atrocities' if Israel invades overcrowded Rafah". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 17 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  100. ^ "Palestinian exodus into Egypt's Sinai would mean 'disaster': UN". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 16 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
  101. ^ "Civilians in Gaza in extreme peril while the world watches on". World Health Organization. Archived from the original on 25 February 2024. Retrieved 24 February 2024.
  102. ^ "WHO chief says Palestinians sheltering in Rafah 'out of options'". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 29 February 2024. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
  103. ^ "Israeli ground assault in Rafah would be 'nightmare' for people there". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 2 March 2024. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  104. ^ "Gaza: Israel's dehumanisation of displaced persons must end, says UN expert". OHCHR. United Nations. Archived from the original on 10 March 2024. Retrieved 10 March 2024.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rafah_offensive&oldid=1222776693"