GENEVA: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday urged Israel not to invade Rafah city in southern Gaza, after the Israeli prime minister said an offensive would go forward regardless of a pending hostage deal with Hamas.
Describing the consequences of such an attack as “unbearable escalation,” Guterres warned that it could result in the deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians and force hundreds of thousands more to flee. “A military assault on Rafah would be an unbearable escalation, killing thousands more civilians and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee,” the UN chief told reporters. He emphasized the devastating impact such an offensive would have on Palestinians in Gaza and its repercussions on the wider region, including the occupied West Bank.
Highlighting the global opposition to such military action, Guterres called upon all parties with influence over Israel to exert efforts to prevent it. He stressed that members of the Security Council and several other governments have expressed their clear opposition to the proposed offensive.
Furthermore, Guterres expressed deep concern over reports of mass graves discovered at Gaza’s main hospitals, coupled with allegations of unlawful killings. He called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding these mass graves, stressing the imperative of allowing international investigators with forensic expertise immediate access to the sites.
Earlier today, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that the military would launch a ground offensive on Gaza’s far-southern Rafah city “with or without” a truce deal being negotiated with Hamas.
The hawkish premier issued the warning despite strong concerns raised by top ally Washington, mere hours before the arrival of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Israel for talks on the escalating Middle East crisis.
Netanyahu affirmed, “The idea that we will halt the war before achieving all of its goals is out of the question.” He reiterated Israel’s resolve to enter Rafah and eliminate Hamas forces, emphasizing the pursuit of “total victory.”
Netanyahu’s declaration coincided with Hamas’ deliberations on a proposed 40-day ceasefire and a hostage-prisoner exchange, following discussions in Cairo mediated by the US, Egypt, and Qatar. Hamas sources indicated a keenness to respond promptly to the proposal.
Meanwhile, sources in Egypt disclosed that Hamas envoys are expected to return with a written response, underscoring the critical juncture in ceasefire negotiations.
As the diplomatic push for a ceasefire intensifies, Washington has ramped up pressure on all parties to reach a resolution. Blinken, embarking on his seventh regional tour since the conflict’s outbreak, emphasized the urgency of halting hostilities and described Israel’s offer as “extraordinarily generous.”
While affirming staunch support for Israel, the Biden administration has also urged restraint, cautioning against a ground invasion of Rafah and emphasizing the need to protect Gaza’s civilian population.
President Joe Biden, acknowledging the release of hostages held by Hamas as the primary obstacle to securing relief for Gaza’s civilians, urged Egyptian and Qatari leaders to exert maximum efforts in this regard.
The profound humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza has sparked widespread outrage, with large-scale protests erupting at universities across the United States and beyond. In response, New York’s Columbia University took disciplinary action against student demonstrators who refused to disperse.
Meanwhile, Israel has continued relentless bombardment campaign in Gaza. Since October 7, the relentless bombardment by Israel has killed at least 34,535 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
