Egypt issues warning as Israel plans ground incursion into Rafah, calls for ceasefire amidst escalating conflict

Egypt warns against Israel’s planned ground invasion of Rafah, southern Gaza, as it could have disastrous effects on Middle East peace

Israel’s invasion plan to southern Gaza, has drawn a stern warning from Egypt, which warned on Tuesday that such an action might have disastrous effects on Middle East peace. Concerned Arab League foreign ministers also expressed their dismay at what they see as a lack of consideration for Gaza’s citizens’ predicament to the UN Human Rights Council.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Sameh Shoukry, denounced the intense division brought about by the Gaza war and called attention to what he saw as the hypocrisy of certain members of the UN’s highest human rights committee. Underscoring that any military action under the present conditions may seriously jeopardize regional peace, he underlined the urgent need for a ceasefire and asked Israel to desist from striking Rafah.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza erupted after Hamas launched an attack on Israeli soil on Oct. 7, resulting in casualties on both sides. Shoukry lamented the loss of civilian lives and criticized the perceived indifference of some nations towards the suffering in Gaza, accusing them of neglecting their responsibility to address the humanitarian crisis.

As they denounced what they called the “brutal crimes” done by Israeli soldiers against civilians in Gaza, other foreign ministers expressed similar views to Shoukry. In an attempt to lessen the suffering of people impacted by the war, they demanded that the bloodshed stop and that the international community step in.

A rising number of diplomats are concerned about the possible consequences for regional stability as well as the increasing violence in Gaza in light of these events. A thorough and long-lasting resolution to the protracted conflict between Israel and Palestine is desperately needed, as seen by the demands for quick action.

Source: AFP