NZ, Australia and Canada PMs urge 'Israel' not to invade Rafah
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A joint statement by New Zealand, Australia, and Canada says ground invasion into Rafah would be "catastrophic."
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Palestinians inspect the rubble of the Hasouna family house, which was struck by an Israeli aggression airstrike in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, February 13, 2024. (AP)
The prime ministers of New Zealand, Australia, and Canada have released a joint statement, urging "Israel" not to launch a ground invasion into Rafah.
The statement emphasizes that a ground invasion in the southern Gaza city would be "catastrophic," and "Israel" must listen to its allies and the international community. "We are gravely concerned by indications that Israel is planning a ground offensive into Rafah," the statement said.
"A military operation into Rafah would be catastrophic. About 1.5 million Palestinians are taking refuge in the area, including many of our citizens and their families. With the humanitarian situation in Gaza already dire, the impacts on Palestinian civilians from an expanded military operation would be devastating. We urge the Israeli government not to go down this path. There is simply nowhere else for civilians to go."
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"There is growing international consensus. Israel must listen to its friends and it must listen to the international community. The protection of civilians is paramount and a requirement under international humanitarian law. Palestinian civilians cannot be made to pay the price of defeating Hamas."
The joint statement called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip along with humanitarian assistance. It referenced the statement from the International Court of Justice, which emphasized, "Israel must ensure the delivery of basic services and essential humanitarian assistance and must protect civilians. The Court's decisions on provisional measures are binding."
It stressed the need for lasting peace and security and that "Australia, Canada, and New Zealand remain steadfast in their commitment to a two-state solution, including the creation of a Palestinian state alongside Israel."
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The joint statement comes after Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte urged on Monday the Israeli occupation government not to launch a ground invasion into the city of Rafah. Rutte visited occupied al-Quds, where he met with Israeli occupation Benjamin Netanyahu. He also held talks with his Palestinian counterpart Mohammad Shtayyeh.
This comes at a time when a ground invasion of the city of Rafah looms, as Netanyahu told troops to prepare for an offensive in the southern city, which now hosts more than half of Gaza's total population. Foreign governments, including "Israel's" key ally the United States, and aid groups have voiced deep concern over Netanyahu's plan.
US President Joe Biden spoke to Netanyahu on the phone Sunday and told him the Rafah offensive should not go ahead in the absence of a "credible" plan to ensure "the safety" of people sheltering there, the White House said.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported on February 12th that Israeli occupation forces committed a major massacre in Rafah, with most of the victims being children and women.
Our correspondent said that Israeli occupation warplanes launched more than 50 airstrikes on Rafah, noting that the occupation forces used internationally prohibited incendiary missiles in its airstrikes.
Palestinian medical sources said that at least 100 people were martyred and more than 230 were wounded in heavy Israeli strikes on the city of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.
