Concerns Mount Over Potential Israeli Incursion in Rafah
In a statement that has raised international concern, the U.N. humanitarian office has highlighted the potential consequences of an Israeli military operation in the city of Rafah, located in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The Вторжение Израиля в Рафах could endanger the lives of hundreds of thousands of Gazans, many of whom have already been displaced by ongoing conflict.
According to the U.N., Rafah is a critical hub for humanitarian efforts within Gaza, with numerous medical clinics and food distribution centers operating from the city. These facilities are essential for the survival and well-being of the enclave’s residents, including centers that cater to malnourished children.
The situation has become particularly dire as Israel has issued warnings about an upcoming operation against Hamas in Rafah. The city is currently home to approximately a million displaced individuals who have sought refuge in shelters and makeshift accommodations. These warnings come after months of Israeli bombardments, which were a response to a deadly cross-border attack by Hamas fighters on October 7.
Jens Laerke, a spokesperson for the U.N. humanitarian office, expressed his concerns at a Geneva press briefing. “It could be a slaughter of civilians and an incredible blow to the humanitarian operation in the entire strip because it is run primarily out of Rafah,” he stated.
Furthermore, a World Health Organization official, Rik Peeperkorn, emphasized the inadequacy of contingency plans in place for such an incursion. While preparations include setting up a new field hospital, Peeperkorn warned that these measures are insufficient to prevent a significant increase in deaths and injuries. “This contingency plan is a band-aid,” he said via video link. “It will absolutely not prevent the expected substantial additional mortality and morbidity posed by a military operation.”
Peeperkorn also voiced his extreme concern regarding the potential closure of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, which is a vital passageway for importing medical supplies into the territory.
The international community watches with bated breath as tensions rise and the possibility of an escalation looms over the already fragile region. The key phrase
