Expressing profound concern over reports that the Israeli military plans to extend its conflict with Hamas to the town of Rafah at Gaza’s border with Egypt, the European Union called for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas on Saturday. Without such an agreement, the EU warns of the potential for the conflict to escalate throughout the region.
Image - European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, Courtesy - Associated Press
EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell stated that approximately 1 million Palestinians have gradually been displaced towards the Egyptian border. Despite claims of safe zones, ongoing bombings are affecting the civilian population, creating a dire situation.
The EU's top diplomat cautioned that unless a cease-fire is established between Israel and Hamas, the conflict's impact may extend across the region. This concern follows U.S. airstrikes targeting numerous sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
The chief diplomat of the EU has cautioned that unless a ceasefire is established between Israel and Hamas, the conflict is likely to expand across the region. This warning comes in the aftermath of U.S. airstrikes targeting numerous sites in Iraq and Syria utilized by Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated on Thursday that once Israeli troops capture the southern city of Khan Younis, they plan to advance to Rafah, but he did not specify a time frame. This offensive raises concerns as it could force refugees into Egypt, potentially undermining Israel's peace agreement with Egypt and causing tensions with the United States. It may also impact ongoing peace talks with Hamas and complicate efforts to release Israelis abducted during the October 7th militant group attack in southern Israel.
The possibility of a ground war in Rafah has sparked worries about the safety of the population and raised concerns about the town becoming a "pressure cooker of despair," according to the United Nations. EU foreign ministers, including Josep Borrell, discussed the critical situation in the Middle East, emphasizing the interconnected nature of conflicts in Gaza, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and the Red Sea area. Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib expressed concern about the real risk of conflict spillover, urging restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy to calm the situation. Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski, a U.S. ally, commented on the U.S. airstrikes, stating that those targeted had brought the consequences upon themselves due to Iran's proxies playing with fire for months and years.
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