Speakers in Security Council Urge Israel to Stop Military Incursions into Rafah
Saving lives and ensuring humanitarian access in Rafah and across the Gaza Strip are urgent priorities, senior United Nations officials told the Security Council today, as delegates urged Israel to stop its military offensive in Rafah.
“I fear the worst,” Tor Wennesland, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process said, for Rafah’s terrified civilians, for the hostages held in unimaginable conditions for more than 225 days and for the overstretched humanitarian operation in Gaza.
Military manoeuvres by Israel Defense Forces in and around Rafah have intensified and Israel has ordered 100,000 Palestinians in the southern city to immediately evacuate to a so-called “expanded humanitarian area” in Al-Mawasi which lacks adequate shelter, food, water and sewage infrastructure, he said. Nowhere is safe in Gaza, including for humanitarian workers, he observed, noting that the total number of UN staff killed in Gaza since the start of hostilities has reached 193.
Underscoring the need for a long-term solution in Gaza, he called on the international community to enable the new Palestinian Government to reassume its responsibilities in Gaza and eventually govern the whole of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. This is an opportunity to take a tangible step towards unifying Gaza and the West Bank politically, economically and administratively, he pointed out.
“To be frank, we are running out of words,” said Edem Wosornu, Director, Operations and Advocacy Division, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, after describing what is happening in Gaza as a catastrophe, a nightmare and “hell on Earth”. Some 35,000 people have now been killed and more than 79,000 injured while Gaza’s health-care system is under impossible strain, with an estimated 14,000 patients currently requiring medical evacuation. About 1.7 million people have been forcibly displaced within Gaza, many of them up to four or five times, including because of repeated evacuation instructions from the Israel Defense Forces, she added.
Noting that the Rafah crossing remains inaccessible for humanitarian cargo, fuel and personnel movement, she said that around 82,000 metric tons of supplies are stranded on the Egypt side of the crossing with food spoiling and medicines expiring. The Kerem Shalom is extremely difficult for aid organizations to access from the Gaza side due to hostilities, while areas in the vicinity of the newly opened Erez West are under evacuation orders. While welcoming the first aid shipment delivered via a newly constructed floating dock, she emphasized the importance of land routes. “We need the facilitation of rapid, unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief into and within Gaza,” she stressed.
In the discussion that followed, many Council members called on Israel to reconsider its invasion of Rafah and expressed concern about the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe. “As a friendly country,” the Republic of Korea calls on Israel to immediately suspend its operation in Rafah, that country’s representative said, cautioning that “this bloody offensive in Rafah” will only fan the flames of additional extremism and jeopardize Israel’s long-term security. The United Kingdom’s delegate said his country will not support an expanded operation in Rafah unless there is a very clear plan to protect people and save lives. “We have not seen that plan so, in these circumstances, we would not support an expanded operation in Rafah,” he stressed.
While stressing his country’s “iron-clad commitment” to Israel’s self-defence, the representative of the United States said it will not support an Israeli reoccupation of Gaza. His country has proposed alternatives to a major ground offensive in Rafah that “we believe will better advance Israel’s goal of an enduring defeat of Hamas”, he said, calling on the Council to be clear with Hamas on the need to reach a deal on the ceasefire and release of hostages. He also highlighted his country’s tireless work in enabling the arrival of the first shipments of humanitarian assistance in Gaza through the “multinational humanitarian pier”.
However, Council members stressed that the newly constructed pier is not a substitute for land crossings. Egypt’s delegate pointed out that it is possible to resume humanitarian action if Israel withdraws immediately from the Rafah border crossing and opened all six border crossings to Gaza from the Israeli side. Rejecting the narrative that aid can only be delivered through the Rafah crossing, he said that humanitarian action in Rafah has become tantamount to a suicidal mission. “You all are fully aware that Israel has been aiming, since the beginning of the war, to turn the Gaza Strip into an uninhabitable place,” he added.
Algeria’s delegate also called for the reopening of all crossing points, noting that Rafah is the last remaining area in Gaza that has not been completely destroyed. But Israel’s operations in Rafah have already started, he said adding: “This is the darkest moment in the seven-months nightmare.” What is being witnessed in Gaza is not a war, but “genocide”, he stressed, cautioning that abandoning the people of Gaza means “abdicating our humanity”.
Also addressing the Council today was the Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine, who said Gaza will haunt the conscience of the world long after this genocide stops. Israel has determined its enemies, which include the Palestinian people, the United Nations, the Council, the Assembly, the world courts and “every State on Earth that dares to denounce its crimes,” he said. The whole world opposed Israel’s assault on Rafah and yet Israel is proceeding. “It will not listen to reason or to your protests, to your calls or your demands,” he said, urging the Council to use all its tools to stop the massacres.
However, Israel’s delegate said what started the war was “sheer evil perpetrated by Hamas”, and the way to end it is by holding terrorists accountable. Calling on the Council to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization, he stressed: “Show them that the Council no longer follows their script.” Israel is advancing its operations slowly and carefully, he said, adding that his country entered Gaza to bring the hostages home. “We did not want to be in Gaza. We do not want to be in Gaza. We have no intentions of staying in Gaza. It is only about saving lives,” he said.
THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE PALESTINIAN QUESTION
Briefings
TOR WENNESLAND, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, noting that talks for the release of all hostages held in Gaza and a ceasefire ended on 9 May without agreement, said: “I fear the worst for the beleaguered and terrified civilians in Rafah, for the hostages held in unimaginable conditions for more than 225 days, and for the overstretched humanitarian operation that remains on the brink in the Strip.” Noting that Israel Defence Forces’ operations and military manoeuvres in and around Rafah have intensified, he said that on 5 May, Hamas launched mortars and rockets at soldiers massed on the Israeli side of Karem Abu Salem/Kerem Shalom crossing, killing four and wounding 10 of them. Israel Defense Forces’ tank shelling and a series of air strikes in Rafah killed at least 19 Palestinians on the same day, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, he said.
The following day, he added, the Israel Defense Forces said it would operate with “extreme force” against Hamas in eastern Rafah and ordered 100,000 Palestinians to immediately evacuate to what it described as an “expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi”. Stressing that this so-called humanitarian area lacks adequate shelter, food, water and sewage infrastructure, he added that crossings for the entry of humanitarian goods have already been directly affected. In the wake of the Hamas strike on 6 May, Israeli authorities closed Karem Abu Salem/Kerem Shalom crossing for three days. The Rafah crossing with Egypt remains closed. Active hostilities and Israel Defense Forces operations continue to render “nowhere safe in Gaza”, including for humanitarian workers, he said, noting that 193 UN personnel have been killed in Gaza since the start of hostilities.
The current trajectory, he said, will further undermine efforts to scale up the entry of humanitarian goods and their safe distribution to desperate civilians. Welcoming the opening of the Erez West crossing in Gaza’s north, he noted the immense scale of needs in Gaza and stressed that there is no substitute for the full and increased operation of existing land crossings. The Secretary-General, as well as numerous international partners, including Egypt, have objected to a military operation in Rafah. Saving lives and addressing the critical needs in Rafah and Gaza more broadly must be the immediate priority, he said, while pointing out that a large-scale military operation in Rafah exacerbates the risk of escalating regional tensions, particularly across the Blue Line with Lebanon.
“There can be no long-term solution in Gaza that is not fundamentally political,” he underscored. The new Palestinian Government, with eight ministers from Gaza, represents an important opportunity to support tangible steps towards unifying Gaza and the occupied West Bank politically, economically and administratively. Calling on the international community to support the new Government, he called for assistance in addressing its fiscal challenges, strengthening its governance capacity and preparing it to reassume its responsibilities in Gaza and, ultimately, govern the whole of the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The Palestinian Authority must also be an integral part of planning for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction. “Now is the time to lay the foundations for a better future for Palestinians, Israelis and the broader region,” he added.
EDEM WOSORNU, Director, Operations and Advocacy Division, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, said that the situation in Gaza has been described as a catastrophe, a nightmare and hell on Earth. “To be frank, we are running out of words to describe what is happening” in the Strip. She noted that living conditions continue to deteriorate particularly in Jabalaya and eastern Rafah and the number of casualties continues to increase. According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, more than 35,000 people have now been killed in the violence, and more than 79,000 injured, she said. Gaza’s health-care system is under impossible strain. In Rafah, 21 medical points, four primary health-care centres and four hospitals are now inaccessible. In the north, two hospitals, five primary health-care centres and 16 medical points are inaccessible, she said, adding that an estimated 14,000 critical patients currently require medical evacuation.
Seventy-five per cent of the population — 1.7 million people — has been forcibly displaced within Gaza, many of them up to four or five times, including because of repeated evacuation instructions from the Israel Defense Forces. In the past two weeks, more than 800,000 people have been displaced from Rafah into other areas of Gaza, she said, emphasizing unequivocally that those forcibly displaced must be guaranteed the right to voluntarily return, as international law demands. Once over-crowded camps and emergency shelters in Rafah have now largely emptied, with most of the displaced seeking refuge in Khan Younis and Deir al Balah. But the situation at these sites is horrendous, with a dearth of adequate latrines, water points, drainage and shelter. “Civilians’ essential needs must be met,” she said, adding that these appalling conditions leave serious doubt as to compliance with basic obligations.
The Rafah incursion is making an already fragile aid operation even more difficult, she said. As of 17 May, the Rafah crossing remains inaccessible for humanitarian cargo, fuel and personnel movement. Around 82,000 metric tons of supplies are stranded on the Egypt side of the crossing with food spoiling and medicines expiring. Fuel shortages, meanwhile, impacts the functioning of bakeries, hospitals, water wells and other critical infrastructure. The crossing at Kerem Shalom is extremely difficult for aid organizations to access from the Gaza side due to hostilities, challenging logistical conditions and complex coordination procedures. Erez crossing opened and subsequently closed and the newly opened Erez West is now being used for limited quantities of aid but areas in the vicinity are also under evacuation orders. She welcomed the first aid shipment delivered on 17 May via the floating dock set up by the United States. But land routes remain the most effective way to deliver the scale of aid needed, she stressed.
The United Nations Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator is actively engaging with relevant parties to accelerate the provision of humanitarian aid, she said, demanding the protection of civilians, their homes and infrastructure. “We need the facilitation of rapid, unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief into and within Gaza,” she said, adding that all available access points must be open and kept open for a sustained period to allow aid to enter at scale. Humanitarian and UN staff must also be protected. Adequate funding, particularly for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), is also needed. As of 20 May, the 2024 flash appeal is only 25 per cent funded, she said.
Statements
The representative of Algeria said Rafah is the last remaining area in Gaza that has not been completely destroyed and the only place capable of hosting those rendered homeless as all other places lie in ruins. Observing that Israel’s operations in Rafah have already started, he stressed: “This is the darkest moment in the seven-months nightmare.” UN humanitarian affairs officer Yasmina Guerda, who recently returned to Gaza for a second deployment, said: “We would need to invent brand new words to adequately describe the situation that Palestinians in Gaza find themselves in today […] There is lack of everything. There is pain. There is just incredible suffering.” Calling for reopening of all crossing points, he said that what is being witnessed in Gaza is not a war, but “genocide”. Inaction means abandoning the Gaza people, he said, adding: “Abandoning them means abdicating our humanity.”
The representative of Slovenia condemned the loss of civilian lives. “Some of us have been calling for [a] ceasefire for months,” he said, noting the adoption of resolution 2728 (2024) on 25 March to demand a ceasefire, a resolution that was not respected by Hamas nor by Israel. “For the past few weeks, we have been united in rejecting the prospect of a military operation in Rafah. Our calls are being ignored,” he said. “Briefing after briefing, we are being told that there is no safe way to conduct a military operation in Rafah without killing civilians and causing huge human suffering.” It is disturbing that Israeli leaders are ignoring calls by all the Security Council members, global public opinion and the order from the International Court of Justice. He condemned the operation in Rafah, calling for its immediate end and expressed concern over the catastrophic humanitarian situation and the risk of full-blown famine.
The representative of the Republic of Korea said 1.4 million people have been packed in a state of panic, devastation, hunger and instability in Rafah. “As a friendly country”, the Republic of Korea calls on Israel to immediately suspend its operation in Rafah, he said, noting the disturbing reports of mass graves at the ruins of Nasser and al-Shifa hospitals, as well as pending evacuation orders for the remaining functional hospitals in Rafah. The current operations in Rafah by the Israel Defense Forces are even more alarming as no substantial operational plans to protect civilians are in place. “This bloody offensive in Rafah will only fan the flames of additional extremism,” endanger the safe release of hostages and further jeopardize Israel’s long-term security in the region, he said, demanding an immediate ceasefire throughout Gaza and the release of all remaining hostages, as well as the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale.
The representative of Malta said her delegation is gravely concerned at the expanding Israeli military offensive into Rafah and categorically rejected Israel’s ongoing offensive. The protection of civilians remains paramount and an expanded offensive into Rafah will only compound the catastrophic humanitarian situation as the Rafah crossing is a main entry point for aid into Gaza. Its seizure and closure by Israel has severely compromised the provision and distribution of aid, and the maintenance of essential infrastructure and services, including hospitals, bakeries, water and sanitation facilities. The Rafah crossing must be reopened immediately, and necessary measures taken to ensure scaled-up, unimpeded humanitarian access into and throughout Gaza. While the completion of the floating dock off Gaza’s shore is an encouraging development, land routes remain the most viable and effective delivery modes. Malta remains deeply concerned that relevant Council resolutions are being completely disregarded by the conflict parties and she called for their full implementation.
The representative of the United Kingdom said the situation in Gaza is desperate as the toll on civilians grows. The United Kingdom is clear it would not support an expanded operation in Rafah unless there is a very clear plan to protect people and save lives. “We have not seen that plan so, in these circumstances, we would not support an expanded operation in Rafah,” he said. He urged Israel to let humanitarian aid enter Gaza through all crossings, including reopening Rafah. Israel must fulfil its commitments to increase aid and guarantee deconfliction for aid convoys and other humanitarian work. The fastest way to end the conflict is to secure a deal which returns the hostages and pauses the fighting. “We must then work to turn that pause into a sustainable, permanent ceasefire,” he said, adding steadfast support must be provided to the new Palestinian Government as they implement much-needed reforms.
The representative of France said she was profoundly concerned by the situation in Rafah, which continues to deteriorate. Expressing firm opposition to the Israeli offensive in Rafah that would have catastrophic consequences, she noted the forced transfer of civilian populations is a war crime. The closure of the Rafah border point has devastating consequences for civilians at a time when humanitarian aid entering Gaza is patently insufficient, she said, adding that the humanitarian and health situation is unbearable. Calling on Israel to reopen the Rafah crossing and all necessary crossing points and to allow the most vulnerable people to leave the Gaza Strip, she also urged Israel to spare no effort to ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel. “France remains engaged on the path to ending the crisis in a prompt way, based on a two-State solution,” she said.
The representative of Switzerland called for an immediate ceasefire and a halt to the current military operation in Rafah, whose consequences for a civilian population that has been prey to bombardments, repeated displacements and famine for over seven months are unacceptable. “This population now needs assistance, not further suffering,” she asserted. Further, she rejected deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian objects protected under international law, called for the release of the hostages and reiterated the duty to ensure the safety, protection and freedom of movement of humanitarian organization personnel. While welcoming the efforts that have led to the establishment of an option to deliver humanitarian aid by sea, she cautioned that humanitarian assistance entering Gaza remains largely insufficient and called on all parties to provide humanitarian access throughout the Strip. “This tragedy has gone on far too long,” she stated, fully supporting the International Criminal Court, which is seeking arrest warrants against certain individuals.
The representative of China said that 220 days into the Gaza conflict Member States witnessed an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe. Despite the calls for a ceasefire, Israel has chosen to turn a deaf ear and advance a large-scale offensive in Rafah. “Nothing can justify the perpetuation of conflict,” he stressed, adding that the collective punishment of civilians does not create conditions conducive to the rescue of hostages. Expressing support for the implementation of Security Council resolution 2729 (2024), he also voiced hope that the United States — as the country with major influence on Israel — can uphold impartiality and facilitate cessation of hostilities. He also called the attacks on UNRWA alarming. Further expressing support for the two-State solution, he underscored: “Gaza is an inalienable part of Palestine.”
The representative of Sierra Leone highlighted the long-lasting impact of the conflict on young people and children, noting that Gaza has been under constant bombardment for months, with its residents subjected to multiple displacements. Humanitarian activities have become almost impossible as resources dwindle and access remains limited. “This devastation could have been avoided and is still avoidable,” he added. Expressing regret that all efforts to bring about cessation of hostilities are proving to be futile, he called on the international community to persist. Calling for a permanent ceasefire, he added that “we cannot be paralysed witnesses” to this calamity. Attacks on United Nations premises and refugee camps are unacceptable, he said, calling for the immediate release of all hostages.
The representative of the Russian Federation said the humanitarian situation in Gaza is unprecedented and continues to escalate. “When it comes to Gaza, there simply is no safe zones,” he said, condemning attacks on UN representatives and humanitarian personnel and expressing support for the Secretary-General’s call to conduct an independent international investigation into the deaths of those who were helping Palestinians. The wounded and the ill are unable to receive the necessary care amid military hostilities, and civilian life is becoming even more unbearable, he said. A ceasefire looks elusive. “The current Israeli leadership is bent on pursuing military hostilities despite the increasingly obvious inability to achieve all of the stated objectives of their operation,” he said, cautioning: “Unfortunately, such obstinacy threatens the lives of Israeli hostages, too. With each passing day, the likelihood of relatives seeing their loved ones alive dims.”
The representative of Japan said the situation in Rafah is rapidly worsening due to intensifying attacks and the destruction of buildings and infrastructure. Also, more than 800,000 Palestinians have been forcibly re-displaced since the start of the military operation in the city, with many having fled mainly to Deir al Balah or Khan Younis, overcrowded areas with dire humanitarian conditions. Moreover, the Rafah border crossing closure has led to a standoff that has prevented desperately needed aid from reaching the population. A full-blown famine has already gripped the north and is now imminent in the south. “The crossing must be reopened at once,” she stressed, noting that — while the maritime corridor through the pier built by the United States is now operational — “it can be no substitute for land-route humanitarian aid”. For its part, Japan contributed to the recent opening of an International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) field hospital in Rafah to help address overwhelming medical needs.
The representative of Ecuador observed that “agreements which seemed to be close, have not come to pass”, noting that they would have allowed the cessation of hostilities and the release of hostages. Furthermore, military operations have expanded in the east of Rafah. Spotlighting the activation of the mechanism mandated by Council resolution 2720 (2023) and the completion of the temporary pier for the entry of aid to Gaza by sea, he emphasized: “All of these valuable efforts are unfortunately insufficient.” Stressing that a ceasefire is needed now, he also called for the immediate release of all hostages. He further reiterated that the only way to end this conflict is through a peaceful, negotiated, definitive and just solution for all parties with the existence of two States — Palestine and Israel — upon the basis of 1967 borders.
The representative of Guyana said the humanitarian situation in Gaza is beyond catastrophic. With the essential Rafah and Karen Abu Salem crossings blocked or ineffective because of the security situation, humanitarian operations are being crippled. She called on Israel to adhere to its legal obligations as an occupying Power to ensure that the population’s basic needs are met and essential supplies provided. The International Court of Justice has clearly underlined Israel’s obligations, yet that country turns “a deaf ear and a blind eye to the rule of law”. Her delegation called on the Council to make impactful decisions and consider all its options to end the war. “Let us starve the war of its fuel,” she said. The impunity with which these acts against the Palestinian people are being committed must end. The Council cannot let justice be outsourced but must act decisively to ensure that it is served.
The representative of the United States expressed his country’s “iron-clad commitment” to Israel’s self-defence, stating, however, that it will not support an Israeli reoccupation of Gaza. Reiterating objection to any large-scale military operation in Rafah that risks mass civilian harm, he noted the displacement of 800,000 civilians from the city in recent days, with displaced Palestinians facing life-threatening conditions, including “the threat of mass contagion from raw sewage”. Israel should take immediate and decisive actions to remedy the situation and ensure the protection of civilians. The Rafah crossing must be reopened now, he said, adding that “lives depend on it”. Also expressing concern about the killing of a United Nations staff member, he said: “We need not wait for the results of an investigation to know what more Israel can and must do to fix the broken deconfliction process in Gaza.”
Noting the first shipments of humanitarian assistance that arrived on the shores of Gaza through the “multinational humanitarian pier”, he highlighted the “the tireless work” of his country and partners in enabling this. The United States will continue to work to further increase the amount of aid getting into Gaza by land crossings, he said, adding that it has also proposed alternatives to a major ground offensive in Rafah that “we believe will better advance Israel’s goal of an enduring defeat of Hamas”. Just as his country has been clear with Israel regarding the best course of action, the Council must be clear with Hamas on the need to reach a deal on the ceasefire and release of hostages, he said.
The representative of Mozambique said that for the last seven months, the Gaza Strip has tragically become one of the most dangerous places on Earth. Even humanitarian workers are not spared, he said, emphasizing that it is crucial to take the necessary action to alleviate this immense and unacceptable suffering. Reports of forced displacement of civilians in Rafah and the denial of vital humanitarian aid are alarming violations of international law that cannot be tolerated, he said, calling for urgent action to address the humanitarian crisis. A large-scale military operation in Rafah would have catastrophic consequences for civilians, he said, calling on Israel to fully comply with international law and to allow increased humanitarian access and prioritizing civilian protection. “All efforts must be made to ensure aid reaches those in desperate need, swiftly and unimpeded,” he said.
The Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine said Gaza will haunt the conscience of the world long after this genocide stops. “And stop it must,” he said, “Now.” Israel is deliberately destroying life in Gaza and is not deterred by the rules of international law or positions adopted by States or international bodies. It will only be deterred by resolute action holding it accountable for its decisions and forcing it to change course. The whole world opposed Israel’s assault on Rafah, and yet, Israel is proceeding. Israel has pushed an entire population to the southern border of Gaza, to Rafah, through mass killing and destruction. Israel must pull out from the Rafah crossing, open all crossings and allow the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid and withdraw its occupation forces from the Gaza Strip. He said Israel has determined its enemies, which include the Palestinian people, the United Nations, the Council, the Assembly, the world courts and “every State on Earth that dares to denounce its crimes”.
While the Council speaks often of the international law-based order, Israel is asking the Council to destroy this order so it can continue killing the Palestinian people and annex their land in full impunity. “It will not listen to reason or to your protests, to your calls or your demands,” he said, adding that Israel has gone further and further in its breach of the Charter and the law. He believes that very soon a tipping point will be reached at which countries will stand up to defend freedom, justice and peace. He urged the Council to use all its tools to stop the massacres.
The representative of Israel said that “in an act of outrageous absurdity and moral bankruptcy” the International Criminal Court’s Chief Prosecutor announced that he will seek arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders. “This is a despicable and unforgettable day, in which an immoral equivalence is being made between a terror organization and the leaders of a vibrant democracy,” he stressed, adding that international organizations “have lost their way”. While the “forces of evil” have physical weapons, they also have diplomatic and legal weapons — “an arsenal of evil that includes weaponization of this institution and its bodies,” he observed, adding that “all have become tools in the hands of monsters”. Noting that the Council held a moment of silence to commemorate the “mass-murdering” President of Iran, he asked: “What’s next? Will the Council hold a moment of silence for Bin Laden? Will there be a vigil for Hitler?”
“This Council does not function through logic or morality”, he continued, calling it a “political tool exploited by some Members”. What started the war was “sheer evil perpetrated by Hamas”, he recalled, reiterating that the way to end it is by holding terrorists accountable. Noting that Israel entered Gaza to bring the hostages home, he emphasized: “We did not want to be in Gaza. We do not want to be in Gaza. We have no intentions of staying in Gaza. It is only about saving lives.” Calling on the Council to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization, he stressed: “Show them that the Council no longer follows their script.” Israel is advancing its operations in Gaza slowly and carefully, he said, urging the Council to utilize its power and pressure the terrorists. “Help bring this war to an end, with Hamas eliminated and our hostages returned,” he stressed.
The representative of Egypt, highlighting Israel’s approach to deliberately turn the Gaza Strip into an uninhabitable place, said that despite continued mediation efforts by his country, Qatar and the United States, as well as multiple Council resolutions, “the response was another military operation in Rafah”. Citing UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, he underscored that Israel’s claim that it is possible to transfer civilians to safe places is not credible. The areas to which people are directed to go do not fulfil the minimum conditions for the provision of humanitarian aid. Adherence to international law, international humanitarian law and the rules of war is not optional, he said, adding that the international community should not accept flimsy justifications for the military operation in Rafah.
The flow of humanitarian aid through the Rafah border crossing has stopped as a direct result of the continued Israeli military operation, he said, adding that this is also a direct threat to the lives of humanitarian workers. Humanitarian action in Rafah “has become tantamount to a suicide mission”, he said, adding: “You all are fully aware that Israel has been aiming, since the beginning of the war, to turn the Gaza Strip into an uninhabitable place.” It is possible to resume humanitarian action if Israel withdrew immediately from the Rafah border crossing and opened all six border crossings to Gaza from the Israeli side. Rejecting the narrative that aid can only be delivered through the Rafah crossing, he said this narrative holds his country and the United Nations responsible for the aid not being delivered.