Falcon powers – The European Union’s High Representative, Josep Borrell, responded to the Israeli attack on the city of Rafah in Gaza, stating that the human toll would be high and that people had no safe haven to seek refuge in.
Borrell told reporters, “I fear that this will once again result in the loss of many victims, civilian victims, no matter what they say. There are 600,000 children in Gaza who will be forced into so-called safe and free areas.”
He added that there are no safe and free areas in Gaza.
Israel has issued evacuation orders for Palestinians residing in eastern Rafah, asking them to move towards areas in Khan Younis, which are nothing more than a large camp with dire conditions.
Borrell confirmed that the International Criminal Court is waiting for a prompt decision regarding Gaza, criticizing the threats directed at the judges. He said, “I completely condemn any form of intimidation against the International Criminal Court. Enough is enough. Some statements threaten the International Criminal Court, and the threat of revenge against the Palestinian Authority if the International Criminal Court issues a decision is unacceptable.”
Borrell’s comments come as Israel took control of the Rafah crossing on Tuesday morning, following a nighttime operation in which Israeli tanks entered the area and raised Israeli flags.
Hamas had agreed to a proposed ceasefire mediated by Egypt and Qatar. Meanwhile, Israel insisted that the agreement did not meet its core demands.
Many countries and organizations have criticized Israel’s control of the Rafah crossing, the suspension of aid entry, and the prevention of United Nations staff from entering the region.
