EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned that an Israeli offensive on Rafah “would lead to an unspeakable humanitarian catastrophe and grave tensions with Egypt.”
“Resuming negotiations to free hostages and suspend hostilities is the only way to avert bloodshed,” Borrell posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Furthermore, British Foreign Secretary David Cameron also said he was “deeply concerned about the prospect of a military offensive in Rafah.”
“The priority must be an immediate pause in the fighting to get aid in and hostages out,” Cameron said.
Israel is gearing up to evacuate more than one million Palestinians from the city of Rafah as it plans to launch a ground attack on Hamas in the southern Gaza Strip.
These Palestinians, living in dire conditions after fleeing from the north due to Israeli bombing, face an uncertain future.
Relief agencies have warned that a military assault in such a densely populated area could result in significant civilian casualties.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) expressed uncertainty about the duration of this “highly dangerous operation.”
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated, “There is a growing sense of concern and panic in Rafah as people have no idea where to go.”
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met with European Parliament President Roberta Metsola on the sidelines of his visit to Brussels to chair the 10th session of the Egypt-EU Association Council.
Shoukry stressed the importance of strengthening constructive dialogue between Egypt and the European Parliament based on friendship and mutual respect.
Metsola stressed the importance and strategic nature of the EU’s relations with Egypt, and the need to use them to serve the interests of both sides and address common economic and security challenges.
The EU official also emphasized Egypt’s regional and pivotal role in the region and its ongoing efforts to achieve security and stability, which also benefit European security.
