Rafah offensive: Difference between revisions
Rescuing orphaned refs ("Guardian" from rev 1223031480; ":42" → ":4" from rev 1223029679) |
Icebear244 (talk | contribs) No edit summary |
||
Line 33: | Line 33: | ||
Prior to the offensive, about 1.4 million displaced Palestinians from elsewhere in the Gaza Strip had sought shelter in Rafah. Israel announced its intent to invade in order to eliminate [[Hamas]] brigades it said were in the city.<ref name=4B>{{cite news |title=Netanyahu Asks Military for Plans to Evacuate Rafah, Where 1.4 Million Are Sheltering |work=The New York Times |date=9 February 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/02/09/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news |access-date=10 February 2024 |last1=Boxerman |first1=Aaron |last2=Abuheweila |first2=Iyad |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210010123/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/02/09/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news |url-status=live }}</ref> Israel's planned operations in Rafah have drawn international criticism, including from its allies, over concerns about potential humanitarian repercussions.<ref name="court" /><ref name="hold" /> The United States withheld arms from Israel over the operation,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/08/us-weapons-shipment-pause-israel-idf-rafah-gaza-hamas-war-palestine |title=US paused weapons shipment to Israel amid concern over Rafah, senior US official says |date=2024-05-08 |website=The Guardian |access-date=2024-05-09}}</ref> threatening to cut off aid if Israel fully invades.<ref name=stop>{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/08/politics/joe-biden-interview-cnntv/index.html |title=Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if it launches major invasion of Rafah |last=Liptak |first=Kevin |date=2024-05-08 |website=CNN |access-date=2024-05-09}}</ref> |
Prior to the offensive, about 1.4 million displaced Palestinians from elsewhere in the Gaza Strip had sought shelter in Rafah. Israel announced its intent to invade in order to eliminate [[Hamas]] brigades it said were in the city.<ref name=4B>{{cite news |title=Netanyahu Asks Military for Plans to Evacuate Rafah, Where 1.4 Million Are Sheltering |work=The New York Times |date=9 February 2024 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/02/09/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news |access-date=10 February 2024 |last1=Boxerman |first1=Aaron |last2=Abuheweila |first2=Iyad |archive-date=10 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240210010123/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/02/09/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news |url-status=live }}</ref> Israel's planned operations in Rafah have drawn international criticism, including from its allies, over concerns about potential humanitarian repercussions.<ref name="court" /><ref name="hold" /> The United States withheld arms from Israel over the operation,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/may/08/us-weapons-shipment-pause-israel-idf-rafah-gaza-hamas-war-palestine |title=US paused weapons shipment to Israel amid concern over Rafah, senior US official says |date=2024-05-08 |website=The Guardian |access-date=2024-05-09}}</ref> threatening to cut off aid if Israel fully invades.<ref name=stop>{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/08/politics/joe-biden-interview-cnntv/index.html |title=Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if it launches major invasion of Rafah |last=Liptak |first=Kevin |date=2024-05-08 |website=CNN |access-date=2024-05-09}}</ref> |
||
After ceasefire negotiations stalled and several Israeli soldiers were killed in a rocket attack from Rafah on May 6, Israel initiated the evacuation of civilians from eastern Rafah to an extended humanitarian zone in central Gaza and [[Khan Yunis]].<ref name=":52">{{Cite web |date=2024-05-06 |title=IDF begins evacuating civilians from eastern Rafah northward |url=https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-800026 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506081751/https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-800026 |archive-date=6 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=The Jerusalem Post {{!}} JPost.com |language=en}}</ref> Over 100,000 individuals were instructed to evacuate.<ref name="unsafe2">{{cite web |title=Gaza war: Where has Israel told Rafah displaced to go? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2le2njgjvlo.amp |access-date=7 May 2024 |publisher=BBC}}</ref> Israel's [[Ministry of Defense (Israel)|Minister of Defense]], [[Yoav Gallant]], stated that the operation would not stop unless Hamas was eliminated or hostages were released.<ref name=":42">{{Cite news |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=2024-05-07 |title=Gallant: Rafah op will continue until Hamas rooted out or hostage deal reached |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/gallant-rafah-op-will-continue-until-hamas-rooted-out-or-hostage-deal-reached/ |access-date=2024-05-07 |work=Times of Israel}}</ref> Four days later, UNRWA reported that 80,000 people have left the area.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rubin |first=Shira |date=2024-05-09 |title=Israel mulls options for Rafah after Biden threatens to withhold arms |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/05/09/biden-israel-weapons-rafah-attack/ |work=The Washington Post}}</ref> |
|||
The humanitarian impact of Israeli operations has been high. More than 100,000 people were ordered to be evacuated to zones alleged to be unsafe and lacking in supplies.<ref name=unsafe/> More than 60 people were killed and nearly 280 injured during Israeli strikes.<ref name=ISW/><ref name=KH/><ref name=May8/> In addition, events relating to the offensive resulted in the temporary closure of the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings, further exacerbating the [[Gaza humanitarian crisis (2023–present)|humanitarian crisis in Gaza]].<ref name=worsen>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/05/07/world/middleeast/rafah-gaza-border-aid.html|title=Israel's Closures of 2 Gaza Border Crossings Prompt Alarm Over Humanitarian Aid|first=Cassandra|last=Vinograd|work=The New York Times |date=7 May 2024|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref> |
|||
On 6 May, Israel ordered the evacuation of eastern Rafah. Later that day, Hamas accepted a ceasefire deal proposed by [[Egypt]] and [[Qatar]].<ref name="invade">{{cite web |title=Hamas accepts Gaza cease-fire; Israel says it will continue talks but is conducting strikes in Rafah |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-humanitarian-aid-8659eae6e0a7362504f0aa4aa4be53e0 |website=apnews.com |date=6 May 2024 |publisher=AP News |access-date=6 May 2024 |archive-date=6 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506053607/https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-humanitarian-aid-8659eae6e0a7362504f0aa4aa4be53e0 |quote= Hamas said Monday it accepted an Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal, but Israel said the deal did not meet its core demands and it was pushing ahead with an assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Still, Israel said it would continue negotiations.|url-status=live |first1=Sam |last1=Mednick |first2=Josef |last2=Federman |first3=Bassem |last3=Mroue}}</ref><ref name="frustrated" /> Israel rejected that deal as insufficient and said that it would continue both ceasefire negotiations and the Rafah offensive.<ref name="invade"/><ref name="accepts" /> Israel conducted airstrikes on Rafah the same day, entered the edges of the city, and seized the [[Rafah crossing]], closing it.<ref name="invade" /><ref name="takescrossing" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=2024-05-07 |title=Gallant: Rafah op will continue until Hamas rooted out or hostage deal reached |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/gallant-rafah-op-will-continue-until-hamas-rooted-out-or-hostage-deal-reached/ |access-date=2024-05-07 |work=Times of Israel}}</ref> |
On 6 May, Israel ordered the evacuation of eastern Rafah. Later that day, Hamas accepted a ceasefire deal proposed by [[Egypt]] and [[Qatar]].<ref name="invade">{{cite web |title=Hamas accepts Gaza cease-fire; Israel says it will continue talks but is conducting strikes in Rafah |url=https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-humanitarian-aid-8659eae6e0a7362504f0aa4aa4be53e0 |website=apnews.com |date=6 May 2024 |publisher=AP News |access-date=6 May 2024 |archive-date=6 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506053607/https://apnews.com/article/israel-palestinians-gaza-hamas-war-humanitarian-aid-8659eae6e0a7362504f0aa4aa4be53e0 |quote= Hamas said Monday it accepted an Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal, but Israel said the deal did not meet its core demands and it was pushing ahead with an assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Still, Israel said it would continue negotiations.|url-status=live |first1=Sam |last1=Mednick |first2=Josef |last2=Federman |first3=Bassem |last3=Mroue}}</ref><ref name="frustrated" /> Israel rejected that deal as insufficient and said that it would continue both ceasefire negotiations and the Rafah offensive.<ref name="invade"/><ref name="accepts" /> Israel conducted airstrikes on Rafah the same day, entered the edges of the city, and seized the [[Rafah crossing]], closing it.<ref name="invade" /><ref name="takescrossing" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite news |last=Fabian |first=Emanuel |date=2024-05-07 |title=Gallant: Rafah op will continue until Hamas rooted out or hostage deal reached |url=https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/gallant-rafah-op-will-continue-until-hamas-rooted-out-or-hostage-deal-reached/ |access-date=2024-05-07 |work=Times of Israel}}</ref> |
||
Line 143: | Line 143: | ||
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".<ref>{{cite web |title=Civilians in Gaza in extreme peril while the world watches on |url=https://www.who.int/news/item/21-02-2024-statement-by-principals-of-the-inter-agency-standing-committee-(iasc)-on-gaza |website=World Health Organization |access-date=24 February 2024 |archive-date=25 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225093523/https://www.who.int/news/item/21-02-2024-statement-by-principals-of-the-inter-agency-standing-committee-(iasc)-on-gaza |url-status=live }}</ref> [[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".<ref>{{cite web |title=WHO chief says Palestinians sheltering in Rafah 'out of options' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/2/27/israels-war-on-gaza-live-biden-comments-turn-focus-back-to-gaza-ceasefire?update=2734737 |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=29 February 2024 |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229014030/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/2/27/israels-war-on-gaza-live-biden-comments-turn-focus-back-to-gaza-ceasefire?update=2734737 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[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".<ref>{{cite web |title=Israeli ground assault in Rafah would be 'nightmare' for people there |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/2/29/israels-war-on-gaza-live-mass-killing-of-children-in-slow-motion-ngo?update=2740042 |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=2 March 2024 |archive-date=2 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302041053/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/2/29/israels-war-on-gaza-live-mass-killing-of-children-in-slow-motion-ngo?update=2740042 |url-status=live }}</ref> Paula Gaviria Betancur, the [[UN special rapporteur]] on the rights of [[internally displaced person]]s, 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".<ref>{{cite web |title=Gaza: Israel's dehumanisation of displaced persons must end, says UN expert |url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/03/gaza-israels-dehumanisation-displaced-persons-must-end-says-un-expert#:~:text=Any%20evacuation%20order%20imposed%20on,shelter%2C”%20the%20expert%20said. |website=OHCHR |publisher=United Nations |access-date=10 March 2024 |archive-date=10 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310021343/https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/03/gaza-israels-dehumanisation-displaced-persons-must-end-says-un-expert#:~:text=Any%20evacuation%20order%20imposed%20on,shelter%2C”%20the%20expert%20said. |url-status=live }}</ref> |
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".<ref>{{cite web |title=Civilians in Gaza in extreme peril while the world watches on |url=https://www.who.int/news/item/21-02-2024-statement-by-principals-of-the-inter-agency-standing-committee-(iasc)-on-gaza |website=World Health Organization |access-date=24 February 2024 |archive-date=25 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240225093523/https://www.who.int/news/item/21-02-2024-statement-by-principals-of-the-inter-agency-standing-committee-(iasc)-on-gaza |url-status=live }}</ref> [[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".<ref>{{cite web |title=WHO chief says Palestinians sheltering in Rafah 'out of options' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/2/27/israels-war-on-gaza-live-biden-comments-turn-focus-back-to-gaza-ceasefire?update=2734737 |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=29 February 2024 |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229014030/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/2/27/israels-war-on-gaza-live-biden-comments-turn-focus-back-to-gaza-ceasefire?update=2734737 |url-status=live }}</ref> [[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".<ref>{{cite web |title=Israeli ground assault in Rafah would be 'nightmare' for people there |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/2/29/israels-war-on-gaza-live-mass-killing-of-children-in-slow-motion-ngo?update=2740042 |website=Al Jazeera |access-date=2 March 2024 |archive-date=2 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302041053/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2024/2/29/israels-war-on-gaza-live-mass-killing-of-children-in-slow-motion-ngo?update=2740042 |url-status=live }}</ref> Paula Gaviria Betancur, the [[UN special rapporteur]] on the rights of [[internally displaced person]]s, 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".<ref>{{cite web |title=Gaza: Israel's dehumanisation of displaced persons must end, says UN expert |url=https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/03/gaza-israels-dehumanisation-displaced-persons-must-end-says-un-expert#:~:text=Any%20evacuation%20order%20imposed%20on,shelter%2C”%20the%20expert%20said. |website=OHCHR |publisher=United Nations |access-date=10 March 2024 |archive-date=10 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310021343/https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/03/gaza-israels-dehumanisation-displaced-persons-must-end-says-un-expert#:~:text=Any%20evacuation%20order%20imposed%20on,shelter%2C”%20the%20expert%20said. |url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
=== Islamist terrorism === |
|||
On May 7, Canadian-Israeli businessman Ziv Kipper was killed in [[Egypt]] by a group known as "the Vanguards of Liberation - the Martyr Mohammad Salah group", also citing retaliation for Israel's takeover of the Rafah border crossing.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Egypt probes shooting of Israeli-Canadian businessman |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c03dy0w72r6o |access-date=2024-05-09 |website=www.bbc.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> |
|||
==Notes== |
==Notes== |
Revision as of 14:27, 9 May 2024
Rafah offensive | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part of the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip | |||||||
![]() Israeli tanks in Rafah | |||||||
| |||||||
Belligerents | |||||||
![]() |
![]() Palestinian Islamic Jihad[1] | ||||||
Units involved | |||||||
| |||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
1 soldier injured[6] |
Per Israel: ~30 militants killed[7] | ||||||
65+ civilians killed,[a] ~280 injured |
On 6 May 2024, Israel began a military offensive in and around the city of Rafah as part of its invasion of the Gaza Strip during the Israel–Hamas war.
Prior to the offensive, about 1.4 million displaced Palestinians from elsewhere in the Gaza Strip had sought shelter in Rafah. Israel announced its intent to invade in order to eliminate Hamas brigades it said were in the city.[9] Israel's planned operations in Rafah have drawn international criticism, including from its allies, over concerns about potential humanitarian repercussions.[10][11] The United States withheld arms from Israel over the operation,[12] threatening to cut off aid if Israel fully invades.[13]
After ceasefire negotiations stalled and several Israeli soldiers were killed in a rocket attack from Rafah on May 6, Israel initiated the evacuation of civilians from eastern Rafah to an extended humanitarian zone in central Gaza and Khan Yunis.[14] Over 100,000 individuals were instructed to evacuate.[15] Israel's Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, stated that the operation would not stop unless Hamas was eliminated or hostages were released.[16] Four days later, UNRWA reported that 80,000 people have left the area.[17]
On 6 May, Israel ordered the evacuation of eastern Rafah. Later that day, Hamas accepted a ceasefire deal proposed by Egypt and Qatar.[18][19] Israel rejected that deal as insufficient and said that it would continue both ceasefire negotiations and the Rafah offensive.[18][20] Israel conducted airstrikes on Rafah the same day, entered the edges of the city, and seized the Rafah crossing, closing it.[18][21][22]
Background
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.[23][24] With other cities in Gaza depopulated, Rafah became the most populous city in the Palestinian territories, with more than 1.4 million people.[25]
Airstrikes on Rafah started on 8 October 2023,[26] and continued throughout the war.[27] Israel announced its 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.[28]
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.[29]
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.[10] Israel claimed it had a right to defend itself by entering Rafah to eliminate Hamas.[30] The court rejected the measure, saying its provisional measures already prevented Israel from an invasion.[31]
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.[32][33]
On 5 May, more than 10 rockets were launched from the Rafah area toward Kerem Shalom, killing four Israeli soldiers and wounding 11.[34] Hamas took responsibility for the attack. Negotiations collapsed, and Israel began to strike Rafah,[35] killing five people.[36] On 6 May, the IDF ordered the evacuation of civilians from eastern Rafah to parts of central Gaza and Khan Yunis.[37] An offensive seemed imminent, and the evacuation was condemned by multiple countries.[38] Later that day, Hamas accepted a ceasefire deal from Egypt and Qatar. The deal included a 6-week ceasefire and exchange of prisoners.[20] Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded that the terms Hamas had accepted were "far from Israel's basic requirements", while the Israeli war cabinet voted to invade Rafah.[39] Israel said it would send a delegation for ceasefire negotiations, while continuing its offensive in the meantime.[20] Israel also claimed that the United States was aware of, but did not tell Israel about the deal negotiated between Hamas, Egypt and Qatar.[19]
Offensive
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/IDF_Rafah_May_2024_%283%29.jpg/220px-IDF_Rafah_May_2024_%283%29.jpg)
On 6 May, before and during the offensive, Israel struck Rafah at least 50 times.[40] Later that day, in a limited invasion, the IDF entered the outskirts of Rafah and approached the Rafah Border Crossing and Egyptian border.[18][41] According to the IDF, 20 Hamas gunmen were killed in the operation. In addition, it claimed to discover three tunnels and destroying an explosive-laden car.[42][43] On the morning of 7 May, Israel captured the crossing.[44] Hamas shelled the Kerem Shallom crossing from Rafah again.[42] The Givati Brigade separately seized the portion of Salah al-Din Road in eastern Rafah in an overnight operation.[45]
Haaretz reported that control of the Rafah crossing would be handed over to a private firm, and that the operation was limited and intended to exert pressure on Hamas.[46] John Kirby, the White House National Security Communications Advisor, stated that Israel had told the US that the operation was limited and intended to prevent smuggling of arms and money into the Gaza Strip, with negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages and a ceasefire resuming.[47] Israel's Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, stated that the operation would not stop unless Hamas was eliminated or hostages were released.[22][22]
On 8 May, the IDF stated that it continued battling with Hamas in the outskirts of Rafah, killing multiple of the group's fighters.[48] Hamas also fired eight rockets at the Kerem Shalom crossing from Rafah per the IDF, resulting in one soldier being wounded.[49] Later that day, Joe Biden, the President of the United States, threatened to cut off supplies of bombs and artillery to Israel if it went through with a full invasion, already partially withholding aid.[13]
Humanitarian impact
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a5/Minister_van_Leeuwen_visits_Egypt_and_Rafah_border._-_53618570405.jpg/220px-Minister_van_Leeuwen_visits_Egypt_and_Rafah_border._-_53618570405.jpg)
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 field hospitals, tents, and enhanced provisions of food, water, medicine, and other essential supplies.[37] However, Palestinians and aid groups say that designated safe zones have previously been bombed by the Israeli military.[50] Refugees in the area also warned that the area was overcrowded and still lacking supplies.[51] 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.[52]
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.[53] The UN called for the crossings to be reopened immediately.[54] Israel re-opened the Kerem Shalom crossing on 8 May.[48] Israel plans to give a private firm authority of the Rafah crossing when it re-opens.[55] On the same day, the World Health Organization said that south Gaza hospitals only had three days left of fuel due to the closures.[56] Israel also denied the UN access to the crossings.[57][21]
After the initial Israeli strikes, the Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah reportedly received 27 dead and 150 wounded people.[58] CNN reported that of the dead, 6 were women and 9 were children. Israeli media reported that more than 30 civilians died in the airstrikes.[59][8] More than 35 civilians were killed and nearly 130 people were injured in airstrikes on 7 May.[60] Medics warned that thousands of civilians could die in the offensive.[61][52]
International reactions
![]() | This section needs to be updated.(May 2024) |
Africa
South Africa: The country urged the ICJ to consider action on Israel's planned offensive.[62] 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".[63] When Israel ordered the evacuation of eastern Rafah, the country said it was 'deeply disturbed' and said Israel's operations were illegal.[64]
Americas
Brazil: After the Israeli forces seized the Rafah crossing in 7 May, the Brazilian foreign ministry condemned the offensive.[65]
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."[66] Foreign Minister Melanie Joly had previously[b] stated that Canada was "deeply concerned" about an Israeli invasion of Rafah.[67] The Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs said that any full-scale invasion of Rafah would be 'completely unacceptable'.[68]
Mexico: The Mexican government condemned the assaults in Rafah, saying that attacks on civilians represent a "serious violation of international humanitarian law" and calls for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire".[69]
United States: The United States, Israel's largest military supplier, did not approve of plans to invade.[28] An offensive in Rafah under the IDF plan became a supposed red line for the Biden administration, causing a rift in relations between the U.S. and Israel.[70] 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.[71] 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.[72][73] 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.[74] 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.[75] On 5 May, when the U.S. expected Israel to invade, the U.S. put a hold on a shipment of ammunition.[11] Biden threatened to cut off Israel's supply of bombs and artillery if it went through with an invasion.[13]
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".[76]
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".[77]
South Korea: The foreign ministry expressed deep concern over Israel's plans and urged for the protection of civilians under international laws.[78]
Malaysia: According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "Malaysia vehemently condemns the latest attacks by Israel on Rafah [...] and the attacks only demonstrate Israel's intransigence and unwillingness to work for peace. The Israeli regime is bent on pursuing genocide and a war of extermination against the besieged Palestinians. As such, Israel deserves the strongest condemnation from the international community."[79]
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."[80] 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.[81]
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."[82]
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."[83]
France: Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné stated an Israeli assault on Rafah would be unjustified.[84] In a phone call, Emmanuel Macron told Netanyahu that he was opposed to a military invasion of Rafah.[85] On 16 February, Macron stated, "I share the fears of Jordan and Egypt of a forced and massive displacement of the population".[86]
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".[87] On 14 February, Baerbock stated, "If the Israeli army were to launch an offensive on Rafah... it would be a humanitarian catastrophe."[88] On 17 February, Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed Germany's support for Israel's "security", but also warned Israeli leaders to abide by international law.[89] 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".[90]
Ireland: Micheál Martin stated an Israeli invasion of Rafah would entail "grave violations of international humanitarian law".[91]
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".[92]
Luxembourg: Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel told Israel they risked losing "the last support they have in the world" if they attacked Rafah.[93]
Netherlands: Foreign Minister, Hanke Bruins Slot, stated that Israel's planned assault on Rafah was "unjustifiable".[94] Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated, "An Israeli offensive in Rafah would cause a humanitarian disaster".[95]
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."[96]
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".[97]
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".[98]
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".[99]
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.[73][100] Egypt warned that a refugee crisis would occur in Sinai and sent 40 tanks to its border with Israel.[101] The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated there would be "dire consequences" if Israel invaded Rafah.[102]
GCC: stated an invasion of Rafah would be a "blatant violation of international law".[103]
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.[72][104]
Jordan: King Abdullah II said that the world "cannot afford" an Israeli assault on Rafah as it would create another humanitarian catastrophe.[73]
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."[105]
Palestine: President Mahmoud Abbas stated the impending Israeli invasion of Rafah would create "another Nakba, which will push the whole region into endless wars".[106]
Qatar: The country urged the United Nations Security Council to prevent Israel from committing genocide and warned of a humanitarian catastrophe in Rafah.[72]
Saudi Arabia: The foreign ministry warned of "very serious repercussions of storming and targeting" Rafah.[72] 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".[107]
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."[108]
- Vanguards of Liberation - the Martyr Mohammad Salah group: On May 7, Canadian-Israeli businessman Ziv Kipper was killed in Egypt by the group, also citing retaliation for Israel's takeover of the Rafah border crossing.[109]
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".[78]
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 [78]
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."[110] 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."[111] 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."[112]
Al Mezan Center stated, "The international community must act now to halt the ground invasion of Rafah."[113] The Carter Center stated "Ordering this new wave of displacement of Palestinians will further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis".[114] Doctors Without Borders stated, "Israel's declared ground offensive on Rafah would be catastrophic and must not proceed".[115] The International Committee of the Red Cross called on Israel to "spare and protect civilian lives and infrastructure".[116] 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".[117]
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".[118] 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."[119]
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."[120] 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".[121] The World Food Programme stated it was deeply concerned by a military offensive in Rafah.[122]
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".[123] 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."[124] Sigrid Kaag stated an offensive on Rafah would be disastrous.[125] 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".[126]
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".[127][128] 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".[129] 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".[130]
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".[131] 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".[132] 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".[133] 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".[134]
Islamist terrorism
On May 7, Canadian-Israeli businessman Ziv Kipper was killed in Egypt by a group known as "the Vanguards of Liberation - the Martyr Mohammad Salah group", also citing retaliation for Israel's takeover of the Rafah border crossing.[135]
Notes
References
- ^ "IDF conducts wave of strikes near Philadelphi Corridor". 3 March 2024. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
- ^ "Israel takes control of Rafah crossing, Gaza's lifeline: What's going on?". Al Jazeera.
- ^ "Israel takes control of Rafah crossing after deadly overnight assault". EFE. 7 May 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "Institute for the Study of War". Archived from the original on 15 February 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
- ^ Fabian, Emanuel (8 May 2024). "IDF says around 30 gunmen killed in ongoing Rafah operation so far". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "IDF soldier lightly wounded by rocket fired at Kerem Shalom from Rafah". timesofisrael.com. Times of Israel. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ Ashkenazi, Avi (7 May 2024). "IDF takes over Palestinian side of Rafah crossing". The Jerusalem Post. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Israeli military captures Palestinian side of Rafah crossing". cnn.com. CNN. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b 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.
- ^ a b "Scoop: U.S. put a hold on an ammunition shipment to Israel". axios.com. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "US paused weapons shipment to Israel amid concern over Rafah, senior US official says". The Guardian. 8 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ a b c Liptak, Kevin (8 May 2024). "Biden says he will stop sending bombs and artillery shells to Israel if it launches major invasion of Rafah". CNN. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Gaza war: Where has Israel told Rafah displaced to go?". BBC. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Rubin, Shira (9 May 2024). "Israel mulls options for Rafah after Biden threatens to withhold arms". The Washington Post.
- ^ a b c d Mednick, Sam; Federman, Josef; Mroue, Bassem (6 May 2024). "Hamas accepts Gaza cease-fire; Israel says it will continue talks but is conducting strikes in Rafah". apnews.com. AP News. Archived from the original on 6 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
Hamas said Monday it accepted an Egyptian-Qatari cease-fire proposal, but Israel said the deal did not meet its core demands and it was pushing ahead with an assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Still, Israel said it would continue negotiations.
- ^ a b Ravid, Barak (6 May 2024). "Israelis frustrated with U.S. handling of hostage talks". Axios. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
Israeli officials claim the Biden administration knew about the latest hostage and ceasefire deal proposal Egypt and Qatar negotiated with Hamas, but didn't brief Israel…
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b Gritten, David (7 May 2024). "Gaza: Israel takes Rafah crossing as truce talks continue". BBC News. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ a b c 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "ActionAid: Conditions in Rafah at breaking point, with over one million displaced people". wafa agency.
- ^ "An Israeli airstrike kills 19 members of the same family in a southern Gaza refugee camp". apnews.com. AP News. 8 October 2023. Archived from the original on 9 October 2023. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "Dozens killed in Israeli air strikes on Rafah ahead of ground assault". france24.com. France24. 10 February 2024. Archived from the original on 11 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Corder, Mike (16 February 2024). "Top UN court rejects South African request for urgent measures to safeguard Rafah". ABC News. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Gritten, David (6 May 2024). "Hamas says it accepts Gaza ceasefire proposal". BBC News. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b "Israel-Gaza latest: 'Aid halted' as Israel takes control of Rafah crossing". Sky News. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ Fabian, Emanuel (7 May 2024). "IDF tanks take control of Gazan side of Rafah Crossing to Egypt, key road captured". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "May 6, 2024 Israel-Hamas war". CNN. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ Fabian, Emanuel (7 May 2024). "IDF: Tank force in control of Gazan side of Rafah crossing on Egypt border, key road also held". The Times of Israel. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "Israel Commits to Limit Rafah Operation, Grant Control of Crossing With Egypt to Private U.S. Firm". haaretz.com. Haaretz. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "White House: Israel told US that Rafah operation is limited; gaps with Hamas bridgeable". timesofisrael.com. Times of Israel. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ a b "Battles in east Rafah as Israel reopens key Kerem Shalom aid crossing". BBC. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "IDF soldier lightly wounded by rocket fired at Kerem Shalom from Rafah". timesofisrael.com. Times of Israel. 8 May 2024. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Gaza war: Where has Israel told Rafah displaced to go?". BBC. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ a b Kershner, Isabel; Vinograd, Cassandra (7 May 2024). "Live Updates: Israeli Tanks Enter Rafah and Take Control of Border Crossing" – via NYTimes.com.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "UN Chief calls on Israel to reopen Rafah and Karm Abu Salem crossings immediately". WAFA.
- ^ "Israel Commits to Limit Rafah Operation, Grant Control of Crossing With Egypt to Private U.S. Firm". haaretz.com. Haaretz. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "WHO claims south Gaza hospitals have three days left of fuel". Times of Israel. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ Vinograd, Cassandra (7 May 2024). "Israel's Closures of 2 Gaza Border Crossings Prompt Alarm Over Humanitarian Aid". The New York Times. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ Stack, Liam; Ahmad, Rawan Sheikh (7 May 2024). "Two Dozen Bodies Brought to Rafah Hospital, Doctor Says". The New York Times – via NYTimes.com.
- ^ "IRAN UPDATE, MAY 6, 2024". understandingwar.org. ISW. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "Israeli strike kill at least 35 in Rafah". EFE. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "Israeli seizure of Rafah crossing could lead to thousands of deaths, say Gaza medics". The Irish Times. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "'Genocide is under way in the Palestinian territories': South Africa". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 17 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ^ "South African Statement on the situation in Rafah". dirco.gov.za. Department of International Relations & Cooperation. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "Israel's war on Gaza live: Full Rafah invasion a 'humanitarian nightmare' | Israel War on Gaza News | Al Jazeera".
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Joly says Israeli Rafah invasion would be 'unacceptable,' urges ceasefire". globalnews.ca. Global News. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ https://aje.io/v6fmt2?update=2886380
- ^ "Israel determined to take Rafah despite 'potential breach' with U.S." reuters.com. Reuters. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
- ^ "US has agreed to send more bombs and warplanes to Israel, sources say | Reuters". Reuters.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Japan 'deeply concerned' about Israel's operations in Rafah". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 14 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Malaysia vehemently condemns latest Israeli attack on Rafah". Bernama. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Malaysia. 8 May 2024. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "EU countries, except Hungary, urge 'immediate' pause in Gaza war". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 20 February 2024. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Israeli attack on Rafah would be 'turning point': Macron". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 17 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Germany says Israeli assault on Rafah would be 'humanitarian catastrophe'". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 16 February 2024. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "PM says Italy opposed to Israeli ground operation in Rafah". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 22 March 2024. Retrieved 22 March 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Israeli offensive in Rafah would be 'unjustifiable': Dutch minister". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 10 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "'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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Arab League chief warns Israel against forcefully displacing Palestinians". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 15 February 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Hassan, Ahmed; Lewis, Aidan. "Egypt steps up security on border as Israeli offensive in Gaza nears". Reuters. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
- ^ "Egypt warns of 'dire consequences' of Rafah assault". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 11 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "Rafah invasion plans 'blatant violation of international law': GCC chief". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 13 February 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
- ^ "Hamas warns Israeli invasion of Rafah will 'torpedo' truce talks". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 12 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
- ^ "Oman warns against Israel's plans to storm Rafah". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 13 February 2024. Retrieved 13 February 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Saudi Arabia warns of 'dangerous repercussions' of attacking Rafah". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 10 February 2024. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Egypt probes shooting of Israeli-Canadian businessman". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "'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.
- ^ "Human Rights Watch says Rafah evacuation would have 'catastrophic' consequences". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 9 February 2024. Retrieved 10 February 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Genocide think-tank condemns attacks on Rafah, UNRWA funding cuts". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 15 February 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
- ^ "Aid and rights groups warn of 'catastrophic' Rafah assault". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 18 February 2024. Retrieved 18 February 2024.
- ^ 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) - ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "World Food Programme says relief efforts 'constantly hampered'". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 13 February 2024. Retrieved 14 February 2024.
- ^ "Civilians in Rafah must be protected: UNICEF chief". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 11 February 2024. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ Mantovani, Cécile. "WHO warns assault on Gaza's Rafah would be an 'unfathomable catastrophe'". Reuters. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "ICJ rejects request to prevent Israeli operation in Rafah". www.israelnationalnews.com. Archived from the original on 16 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ^ "UN warns of 'atrocities' if Israel invades overcrowded Rafah". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 17 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ^ "Palestinian exodus into Egypt's Sinai would mean 'disaster': UN". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 16 February 2024. Retrieved 17 February 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "WHO chief says Palestinians sheltering in Rafah 'out of options'". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 29 February 2024. Retrieved 29 February 2024.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "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.
- ^ "Egypt probes shooting of Israeli-Canadian businessman". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 9 May 2024.
External links
Media related to Rafah offensive at Wikimedia Commons