Intense Israeli air strikes amid threats of an imminent ground invasion (French)

International warnings continued about the dangers of Israel launching a military operation in Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, and the disastrous consequences that would result from that. Spain and Ireland called on the international community to quickly intervene to prevent this looming catastrophe.

In a rare joint statement from Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the countries warned members of the Commonwealth on Tuesday that any Israeli military operation in Rafah would be disastrous for Palestinian civilians.

The leaders of the three countries allied with the United States expressed their "deep concern" about the existence of indications of a planned Israeli ground attack on Rafah. In its joint statement, it urged the Israeli government “not to take this path.”

The statement said, "A military operation in Rafah would be disastrous. There are about 1.5 million Palestinians who have taken refuge in this area, and civilians have no other place to go." Adding that there is "an urgent need for an immediate ceasefire for humanitarian purposes and a need to negotiate a political solution to achieve lasting peace."

For their part, Spain and Ireland called on the European Union to conduct an urgent review of the extent of Israel’s compliance with its human rights obligations in the Gaza Strip, and the need for urgent intervention by the international community to stop the expanded Israeli occupation aggression against the city of Rafah in the south of the Gaza Strip.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said, in a post on the If the occupation authorities fulfill their obligations and respect human rights in the Gaza Strip.

The joint letter stated that if it becomes clear that Israel is violating the Association Agreement with the European Union, which makes respect for human rights and democratic principles an essential element of their relationship, the Commission must propose appropriate measures for the Council to consider.

The two ministers expressed their “deep concern about the deteriorating situation in the Gaza Strip,” noting that the expanded Israeli attack in the city of Rafah, south of the Strip, “constitutes a serious and imminent threat that the international community must address urgently.” They also called for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip to facilitate the arrival of supplies. Humanitarian and relief assistance needed for the residents there.

Displaced people in Rafah lack the most basic necessities of life (Reuters)

Catastrophic risk

On the same level, the International Committee of the Red Cross warned in a statement yesterday, “that the increasing and continuing Israeli hostilities in Rafah pose a catastrophic threat to the lives of civilians and infrastructure.” Director of the Middle East Branch of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Fabrizio Carbone, said in the statement: “We renew our call to save and protect lives.” Civilians and infrastructure.

The statement added that under international humanitarian law, the provision of basic necessities for life must be guaranteed and the necessary guarantees taken to preserve the lives of the civilian population, and stressed the need to preserve the basic principle of humanity, speaking of indications that the war is entering a new phase.

The statement pointed out that Israel, as the occupying power, bears the responsibility under international law to ensure that the basic needs of the civilian population are met.

The organization stressed in its statement that forced displacement is explicitly prohibited under international humanitarian law, as well as the use of human shields and indiscriminate attacks that cause the death, injury, and destruction of disproportionate numbers of civilians.

She pointed out that evacuations must ensure the safe arrival of civilians, must provide satisfactory conditions in terms of hygiene, health, safety and nutrition, and not separate family members, noting that they must also be able to return to their homes when hostilities stop.

According to the United Nations, about 1.4 million people are gathered in the city of Rafah. They were displaced due to the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip since October 7, which turned the city of Rafah into a huge camp. It is the only large city in the Gaza Strip that the occupation army has not yet invaded. Priya.

Source: Agencies