Rafah invasion a violation of international law: UK Deputy FM
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UK Deputy FM Andrew Mitchell says an invasion of Rafah would strengthen Hamas rather than defeat it.
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A Palestinian woman mourns 7-month-old baby Hani Qeshta, who was killed in an Israeli bombardment on a residential building with Qeshta's family, in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sunday, May 5, 2024. (AP)
The invasion of Rafah would violate international humanitarian law and fail to defeat Hamas, the UK's deputy foreign minister, Andrew Mitchell, said on Wednesday. He did not, however, warn of any consequences the UK would impose on "Israel", The Guardian reported.
His statement came as a means to restrict the occupation's options in the invasion and simultaneously force it to accept and commit to the three-stage ceasefire agreement with Hamas. The UK previously advocated for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and the complete removal of Hamas from any governing body in the Strip.
Mitchell echoed the French Foreign Ministry's statement, revealing that no credible Israeli plan was presented to ensure that the invasion of Rafah would not violate international law, additionally warning that the offensive would strengthen Hamas, rather than weaken it.
He addressed two Israeli officials other than Benjamin Netanyahu, including Benny Gantz, hoping they would break from Netanyahu. In this context, it is worth noting that Gantz considered the resumption of ceasefire talks but claimed Hamas' narrative shifted from that of mediators.
Mitchell also claimed Hamas had not agreed to the same deal as "Israel", saying “A generous offer was on the table last week proposed by Egypt, accepted by Israel, and we need to see Hamas accept a viable deal, and we can start building the momentum towards a permanent sustained ceasefire.”
Lastly, the top official, in agreement with the United Nations, condemned the blockage of humanitarian aid in Gaza, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres calling for the opening of humanitarian corridors and the de-escalation in Rafah.
EU to sanction 'Israel'
This came amid multiple statements in Europe condemning the invasion of Rafah. EU Chief Josep Borrell denounced the invasion, stating that despite vehement international rejection, "Israel" dismissed all requests and launched its aggression against Rafah at night. He warned of the humanitarian tragedy that would follow, stressing that 600,000 children are currently in danger in Rafah.
Borrell also revealed that the EU was preparing a sanctions package to be imposed on "Israel", entailing the restriction of the bilateral trade agreement between both parties. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, commenting on the sanctions, said “Can we continue with Israel as a trading partner? I don’t think so.”
However, the United States urged allies to hold off from punishing "Israel", saying the 48 hours that followed the invasion were crucial, with the priority being influencing the occupation to agree on a ceasefire in Gaza.
Amid the US' constant moves to buy "Israel" time, the Biden administration delayed the publishing of a report that indicates the war crimes and violations the Israeli occupation committed in Gaza.
Without giving any clear reason for this delay, the Biden administration informed The Hill in an email that it would miss the deadline. According to the email, the report is "briefly delayed" with no specification of a new timeline.
As they were given anonymity to address the internal process, a senior administration official revealed that they predict it will "be delayed by less than a week."
Read more: 'Israel' set to occupy Rafah crossing, control aid of 1.4mln people
