GENEVA: Egypt warned on Tuesday against Israel’s planned ground invasion of Rafah in southern Gaza, stating that such action would have “catastrophic repercussions” for peace in the Middle East.
Foreign ministers from Arab League countries conveyed their concerns to the United Nations Human Rights Council, highlighting the alarming situation in Gaza and criticizing the lack of decisive action from certain members of the international community.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry condemned the escalating violence in Gaza, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire and urging Israel to refrain from attacking Rafah. He underscored the gravity of the situation, warning that any military action under current circumstances would undermine regional stability.
The conflict in Gaza erupted following an attack by Palestinian resistance group Hamas on October 7. Israel’s subsequent bombardment and ground offensive in Gaza have led to the killing of at least 29,878 Palestinians, mostly women and children.
Egypt Criticizes Indifference of Some Nations
Shoukry criticized the apparent indifference of some nations within the UN’s top rights body towards the plight of Palestinians in Gaza, highlighting a concerning disparity in response compared to other conflicts. He called for a united stance against Israeli aggression and emphasized the urgent need to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
Other Arab League ministers echoed Egypt’s concerns, condemning Israel’s actions and calling for an end to the violence. Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, and Tunisia all emphasized the need for international intervention to halt the bloodshed and alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza.
