UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has conveyed concern over the safety of Palestinian refugees in Rafah, following Israel’s Prime Minister’s Office’s confirmation on plans for military action in the area. The announcement, which Guterres indicated he was “especially alarmed” by, includes potential for a full-scale ground invasion, prompting international apprehension and criticism, as noted by human rights bodies and countries worldwide, such as the United States.
In an official statement the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office acknowledged plans to enact military action in Rafah, which could potentially force further displacement of civilians. The proposed action is purportedly to eliminate four Hamas battalions believed to be located within the city, a point tweeted by the Prime Minister’s office. Yet, such an action, according to Guterres in a tweet, would significantly escalate the existing humanitarian crisis and have untold regional consequences.
With an estimated 1.4 million civilians reported to be taking shelter in Rafah, the UN relief chief, Martin Griffiths, expressed “extreme concern” for their safety. Stéphane Dujarric, a UN spokesperson for the Secretary-General, mirrored this sentiment, noting that potential military action in Rafah would be “almost too catastrophic to imagine”.
Furthermore, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) warned that military operations in Rafah would not only result in further civilian casualties but also severely disrupt the aid system within Gaza.
Human Rights Watch urged the international community to prevent further forced displacement of civilians and disruption to humanitarian aid. They argued that Israel’s evacuation plan contravenes international law and the Geneva Convention, which explicitly prohibits forced displacement of civilians.
Amidst these discussions, Israel has commenced airstrikes on Rafah and according to recent reports, the onslaught over the past weekend resulted in the deaths of 44 people, including children. In response to the threat of a ground invasion, Egypt has reportedly begun fortifying its borders at the Rafah crossing and suggested that an invasion of Rafah could jeopardize its long-standing peace treaty with Israel.
While discussions continue, the world takes note, watches, and waits for a potential diplomatic resolution to avert this escalation. What remains clear though, is the amplified international scrutiny faced by Israel regarding its scheduled military intervention in Rafah in the coming days.