The Israeli Foreign Ministry has sharply criticized Joseph Borell, the European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, for his remarks urging Tel Aviv to refrain from an invasion of Rafah, labelling them as “ignorant, hostile, and a legitimization of terrorism.”
The ministry’s statement comes amid intense negotiations aimed at securing a humanitarian truce and the release of 132 hostages.
According to the ministry, “While we were engaged in negotiations to release the hostages and secure a humanitarian truce, Hamas chose to attack the Kerem Shalom crossing area, killing four Israeli soldiers. The shots that killed the Israelis were fired from Rafah.”
The ministry further accused Hamas of attacking a humanitarian crossing and trying to sabotage the hostage release deal, asserting that any tolerance of Hamas’ media manipulations serves to encourage terrorism.
The ministry emphasized, “Israel will act wherever necessary to protect its citizens and will continue its efforts until the 132 hostages are released and Hamas is subdued.”
Borell had earlier warned that an Israeli ground attack on Rafah and the displacement of its residents would lead to further killings and famine, stating, “There are no safe areas in Gaza.”
This escalating conflict highlights the complex dynamics of the ongoing tensions in the region, with Israel determined to counteract Hamas’ actions, despite international concerns about the potential for increased violence and humanitarian crises.
The EU pledged an additional $73 million to provide urgently needed aid to Palestinians in Gaza, noting that the aid would focus on providing food, clean water, sanitation, and shelter.
