EU warns Israel that military operation in Rafah would put “great strain” on their relationship

The European Union (EU) This Wednesday, he urged Israel to “immediately” end its military operation in Rafahwhich “further exacerbates” the “serious” situation in Gaza, and warned that it would “put great strain” on the EU’s relationship with the country.

“If Israel were to continue its military operation in Rafah, it would inevitably put a major strain on the EU’s relationship with Israel,” said the European Union’s high representative for foreign affairs, Josep Borrellit’s a statement.

The twenty-seven therefore called on Israel to “immediately end its military operation in Rafah”, since “it is further disrupting the distribution of humanitarian aid in Loop and is causing more internal displacement, exposure to famine and human suffering.”

More than a million civilians are taking refuge in and around Rafah and have been asked to evacuate to areas that, according to United Nationscannot be considered safe.

Although the EU recognizes Israel’s right to defend itself, it must do so in accordance with International Humanitarian Law and provide security to civilians, stressed once again Borrell, who called on the country to “refrain from further exacerbating the already serious humanitarian situation in Gaza and to reopen the Rafah border crossing.”

Under international humanitarian law, Israel must allow and facilitate the unhindered passage of humanitarian aid to civilians, the Twenty-Seven recalled.

An point that the International Court of Justice made clear in its orders of January 26 and March 28.

In this sense, the European Union also condemns the Hamas attack on the Kerem Shalom crossing, which has further hindered the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Therefore, the twenty-seven urged all parties to redouble their efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire and the unconditional release of all hostages held by Hamas.