European Leaders and Ministers Urge Israel to Refrain from Imminent Military Operation in Rafah

European leaders and ministers are urgently calling on Israel to halt its planned military operation in Rafah, a move that is feared to exacerbate the already dire situation in the region.

The potential invasion of Rafah, a city on the southern edge of the Gaza Strip, has been a cause for concern for months. With over half of Gaza’s population seeking refuge in Rafah, European leaders have been warning Israel against escalating the conflict.

Israel’s military recently ordered residents and displaced Palestinians to evacuate Rafah’s eastern neighborhoods, signaling that an invasion could be imminent. This comes after ceasefire talks in Cairo collapsed and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant threatened to move into Rafah if a ceasefire deal was not reached.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo have both expressed strong opposition to the potential invasion, citing the devastating impact it would have on the population. The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell, has also joined the chorus of voices urging Israel to reconsider its plans.

Diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent the invasion, with US President Joe Biden expected to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The EU has struggled to reach a unified response to the conflict, with some member states advocating for a tougher stance on Israel and the recognition of the State of Palestine.

Belgium, currently holding the presidency of the Council of the EU, is pushing for trade curbs on products from Israeli-occupied territories. The Belgian government is also planning further sanctions against Israel, while Madrid and Dublin are calling for a review of the EU-Israel ‘Association Agreement’ in light of human rights violations.

The situation in Rafah remains tense as European leaders work to prevent a potential escalation of violence in the region.