Majority EU states urge Gaza 'immediate humanitarian pause': Borrell
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A joint statement is released for "an immediate humanitarian pause that would lead to a lasting ceasefire."
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Palestinians run away after an Israeli strike on a residential building in Rafah, on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024. (AP)
Growing pressure against "Israel" intensifies as 26 European Union nations, excluding Hungary, warned it against invading Rafah as it "would be absolutely catastrophic ... it would be unconscionable," as stated by Ireland's Foreign Minister Micheal Martin ahead of a meeting of foreign ministers from the 27 EU member states in Brussels.
Afterward, a joint statement was released for "an immediate humanitarian pause that would lead to a lasting ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and the provision of humanitarian assistance" - issued under "Foreign Ministers of 26 Member-States of the European Union."
The missing nation, Hungary, was the only country that did not join, as it is a close ally of "Israel".
"We ask the Israeli Government not to take military action in Rafah that would worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian situation and prevent the urgently needed provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance," the joint statement added.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stressed that if a Rafah invasion happens, it would be impossible to prevent civilian casualties.
1.4 million Palestinians are currently in #Rafah without safe place to go, facing starvation.
— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) February 9, 2024
Reports of an Israeli military offensive on Rafah are alarming. It would have catastrophic consequences worsening the already dire humanitarian situation & the unbearable civilian toll.
Read next: Iranian FM to Guterres: Int'l community should stop Rafah carnage
"We have to continue putting pressure on Israel to make them understand that there are so many people in the streets of Rafah, it will be impossible to avoid civilian casualties," he said, adding, "This, certainly, will be against the respect of humanitarian law."
Borrell has previously urged the US to halt arms shipments to "Israel", drawing a parallel with the situation in 2006 when international condemnation surrounded the Israeli aggression on Lebanon.
Borrell also criticized Benjamin Netanyahu's intention to initiate an offensive in Rafah, where numerous Palestinians sought refuge. Meanwhile, a Dutch appeals court mandated the Netherlands government to cease the supply of F-35 fighter jet parts to "Israel" due to concerns about their use in potential violations of international law.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urged "Israel" to respect humanitarian law, but still claimed it had the "right to self-defense," adding, "The most important thing would be that Hamas would lay down its weapons."
"Over a million people went to the south of Gaza because the IDF told them so. They can't just disappear in the sky," she continued.
Israeli war cabinet Minister, Benny Gantz, issued a warning on Sunday, stating that if Israeli captives are not released, there is a threat of an invasion of Rafah during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
“I say this very clearly: Hamas has a choice. They can surrender, release the hostages, and this way, the citizens of Gaza can celebrate the holy holiday of Ramadan,” Gantz said during a news conference in occupied al-Quds.
