UK FM voices concern over impending Israeli offensive in Rafah

UK Foreign Minister David Cameron calls for an immediate cease-fire to allow aid to enter and hostages to be released

UK Foreign Minister David Cameron expressed serious concern about the prospect of an Israeli military attack in Rafah, given that more than half of Gaza’s population is seeking shelter in the area. He emphasized the need for an immediate cease-fire to allow aid to enter and hostages to be released, followed by efforts to achieve a lasting peace. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the Israeli army to prepare for a ground assault in Rafah, in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, as reported by Israeli media. 

Since the start of the Israeli onslaught against Gaza on Oct. 7, Israel ordered residents in northern and central Gaza to evacuate toward the southern part of the enclave, leading to the current overcrowded conditions in the south, especially in Rafah.

The war has resulted in the deaths of over 28,000 people and widespread destruction, leading to severe shortages of essential supplies. 

As a result of the Israeli offensive, 85% of Gaza’s population has been displaced, facing critical shortages of food, clean water, and medicine. Additionally, 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, according to the United Nations. 

In response to a lawsuit filed by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide, the International Court of Justice issued an interim order requiring Israel to stop impeding aid deliveries into Gaza and improve the humanitarian situation in the region. 

Source: Newsroom