They were “very concerned regarding a possible military operation in Rafah without a way out for civilians,” the Foreign Ministry wrote late Saturday evening on EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned of a “humanitarian crisis.”
“Humanitarian breaks” are needed so that the hostages can get out of the Gaza Strip and humanitarian aid can get in, the Foreign Ministry demanded. The message also contained a commitment to Israel’s right to self-defense once morest Hamas terror.
Rafah is a refuge for civilians
Rafah is considered the last refuge for Palestinian civilians in view of the Israeli military operation once morest the terrorist organization Hamas. The town, which had around 300,000 inhabitants before the war, is now said to be home to well over a million Palestinians. Critics accuse Israel of having ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip in mind. Well-known government politicians have spoken out in favor of a permanent occupation of the Palestinian territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has denied this, but at the same time has clearly rejected an independent Palestinian state and has also received opposition from close political allies such as Austria.
Humanitarian catastrophe feared
According to the AFP news agency, Borrell said on 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.”
Among other things, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned of a “humanitarian catastrophe with imminent consequences” with regard to Netanyahu’s actions. The need in Rafah is “already unbelievable,” she explained. 1.3 million people sought protection from the fighting there in a very small space and “might not disappear into thin air”.
The radical Islamic group 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.
