Venezuela's Foreign Affairs Minister, Yvan Gil, stated on Monday that the Israeli occupation's offensive activities in Gaza are completely unacceptable.

In a statement, the Venezuelan Foreign Affairs Ministry condemned "the actions taken by the Government of Israel within the framework of the expansion of the military offensive in the Gaza Strip toward Rafah, in the far south."

The statement added that this "Israeli Zionist plan aims to continue implementing its criminal and expansionist policy in this area that is home to more than one million four hundred thousand displaced Palestinians."

"We warn that these cruel and inhumane actions contribute to worsening the consequences and deteriorating conditions experienced by the people in the Gaza Strip and prevent access to essential humanitarian aid for survival."

#Comunicado Venezuela condena enérgicamente las acciones emprendidas por el Gobierno de Israel en el marco de la expansión de la ofensiva militar en la Franja de Gaza hacia Rafah, en el extremo meridional. Este plan del sionismo israelí pretende seguir implementando su política… pic.twitter.com/w7YshqVmvi

— Yvan Gil (@yvangil) February 12, 2024

Japan, Australia join long list of nations warning of Rafah invasion

The Australian government has joined a long list of nations warning "Israel" that a military onslaught in Rafah will have "devastating consequences" for the 1.4 million Palestinians taking shelter there. 

Penny Wong, the foreign minister, also said on Monday that failing to provide particular care for more than 1 million people in the region, many of whom are living in temporary tents, would "cause serious harm to Israel's own interests".

In the same context, Japan expressed "deep concern" about Israeli "military activities" in Rafah, following confirmation from the IOF that it had carried out attacks in the city.

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On February 12, Statement by Press Secretary KOBAYASHI Maki, regarding Israeli military operation in Rafah in the Gaza Strip, was issued.https://t.co/YxbZ2Bwmf6#Gaza #Israel #Palestine pic.twitter.com/CsgaXt612X

— MOFA of Japan (@MofaJapan_en) February 12, 2024

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu evaded responsibility for the rising international condemnation and falsely claimed that the Israeli occupation forces would provide a "safe passage" for the civilians to leave. 

Netanyahu lies through his teeth, as Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported early Monday that Israeli warplanes launched over 50 airstrikes on the densely-populated city, noting that the occupation forces used internationally prohibited incendiary missiles in its airstrikes to kill at least 100 people and injure dozens as he hopes to finally defeat the Palestinian Resistance.

The Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine affirmed on Monday that the Israeli massacre in the city of Rafah and the entity's insistence to continue carrying out its crimes is a deliberate escalation in the genocide against the Palestinian people.

In a statement, the movement said, "These crimes confirm that the Nazi and criminal government of the entity does not care about public opinion or its allies among the normalization camp."

Earlier in the day, the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas said the massacre committed by "the terrorist Netanyahu government and its Nazi-like army" flies in the face of the urgent measures called for by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), including ceasing all activities amounting to genocide.

Netanyahu no longer considered 'productive' partner by White House: WP

The Washington Post reported on Sunday, citing unnamed official sources, that US President Joe Biden and his administration and his top aides are increasingly edging toward a breach with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, noting that they no longer regard him as a "productive partner" who can be influenced.

According to the report, some of Biden's aides reportedly urged him to publicly criticize Netanyahu over Gaza operations, sources say. Biden, a long-time supporter of "Israel", has been hesitant to do so but is considering it as Netanyahu continues to be frustrated with public actions.

Netanyahu's recent actions, including turning down a prisoner swap deal and moving troops into Gaza against US recommendations, have irked US officials, the report says.

While the White House has rejected calls to withhold military aid, some aides argue that criticizing Netanyahu could allow Biden to distance himself from unpopular policies while affirming support for "Israel" itself.

Biden's private frustration with Netanyahu was evident when he criticized "Israel's" aggression on Gaza as "over the top."