In a strongly-worded statement released by Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry, the nation has expressed grave concerns over Israel’s planned military operation in the densely populated city of Rafah, warning of a potential “humanitarian catastrophe.”
The statement called for immediate intervention by the United Nations Security Council to prevent what it deemed an “imminent threat” posed by Israel’s actions.
Saudi officials highlighted the “extremely dangerous repercussions” of Israel storming and targeting Rafah, categorically rejecting and condemning the forced deportation of civilians. The kingdom asserted that such actions by Israel would constitute a violation of international law and humanitarian principles.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s directive on Friday to prepare for the evacuation of civilians from Rafah ahead of an impending ground operation against Hamas has escalated tensions in the region. Rafah, located in Gaza’s southern region, currently hosts over a million displaced Palestinians, many of whom are seeking refuge in makeshift tents near the border with Egypt and the sea.
Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and optimism from the Biden administration regarding potential Saudi-Israeli normalization, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its stance this week. It conveyed to Washington that it would not establish ties with Israel until an independent Palestinian state is officially recognized, and Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza.
Hamas has issued a stark warning, stating that Israeli operations in Rafah could result in “tens of thousands” of casualties in the city. The office of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas condemned the move, asserting that it “threatens security and peace in the region and the world” and represents a “blatant violation of all red lines.”
As the international community closely monitors the situation, the call for UN intervention grows louder amidst fears of a potential humanitarian crisis in Rafah.
