What’s happening:
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced plans for a potential Israeli military offensive in the city of Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip.
Why it matters:
An assault on Rafah could spark a formidably significant humanitarian crisis, strain diplomatic relationships, and reshape regional geopolitics. The city has grown into a shelter for displaced Gazans, exerting intense diplomatic pressure on Israel over the imminent military plans.
International Alarm:
Top EU official Joseph Borrell voiced stark prospects of an “unspeakable humanitarian catastrophe,” and anticipated elevated tensions with bordering Egypt. European leaders, including British Foreign Minister David Cameron, called for an urgent halt to hostilities, demanding aid delivery and safe passage for hostages.
Egypt Urges Caution:
Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry of Egypt underlined the “disastrous consequences” the attack would entail. An influx of Palestinians into Egypt could jeopardize the long-standing peace agreement between the two nations.
Remarks from the Gulf:
The Gulf states, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, with diplomatic involvement in negotiating hostage releases, forecasted grave outcomes if Israel pursues the operation. Risk of “very serious repercussions” was noted.
The German Perspective:
Germany, through Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, reinforced warnings about an impending “humanitarian catastrophe.” The sentiment reflects the collective anxiety amongst Israel’s allies about the ramifications of military escalations in Rafah.
U.S. Reaction:
President Biden has vocalized concerns about Israel’s retaliatory actions in the Gaza Strip, signaling potential fissures in Israel-U.S. relations with his remark characterizing the response as “over the top.”
Ground Reality:
An immediate precursor to the anticipated assault: Israeli defense forces targeted key officials in the Hamas police hierarchy, reflecting the high-stakes atmosphere looming over Rafah and the broader Gaza district.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.