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Egyptian military patrols the border with the Gaza Strip

Photo: BEN CURTIS/AP

In view of Israel's plans for an offensive on the city of Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has warned of a "humanitarian catastrophe." "I agree with the warnings expressed by several EU member states," Borrell said on X. "An Israeli offensive on Rafah would mean an indescribable humanitarian catastrophe."

Borrell warned that there would also be “strong tensions with Egypt,” which borders Rafah. "Resuming negotiations for the release of the hostages and a cessation of hostilities are the only means to prevent a massacre."

Cairo itself has also warned Israel of an offensive in the Egyptian-Palestinian border town; the consequences would be “terrible,” the Foreign Ministry said.

More than a million refugees from other parts of the Palestinian territory are stranded in Rafah due to Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his army on Friday to present a "combined plan to evacuate the population and destroy the Hamas battalions" in Rafah.

In view of these statements, there were urgent international warnings against such a step. Among other things, Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) declared on Saturday that there was a threat of a “humanitarian catastrophe.” The distress in Rafah is “already unbelievable,” explained Foreign Minister Baerbock. 1.3 million people sought protection from the fighting there in a very small space and could not "disappear into thin air."

The terrorist organization Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, launched an unprecedented, brutal attack on Israel on October 7th. According to Israeli reports, around 1,160 people were killed and 250 were taken hostage to the Gaza Strip. Israel then announced the destruction of Hamas and launched a massive military operation in the Gaza Strip. According to Hamas' latest figures, which cannot be independently verified, more than 28,000 people have been killed there since then.

dop/AFP/Reuters