France, Egypt, Jordan to Israel: Think twice before Rafah assault

The presidents of France and Egypt, along with the king of Jordan, have cautioned Israel against launching a proposed military strike in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, calling for an “immediate” halt to the conflict with Hamas.

In a collective statement released across several international newspapers, they highlighted the grave risks of an Israeli offensive on Rafah, home to over 1.5 million Palestinian civilians seeking shelter. They warned that such an action could lead to increased death, suffering, forced mass displacement in Gaza, and potentially provoke further regional turmoil.

This warning was articulated by French President Emmanuel Macron, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II through a joint op-ed.

The call for restraint comes amid previous statements from the United States expressing opposition to any attack on Rafah, following Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement of a planned offensive.

The trio of leaders emphasized the necessity of implementing a United Nations Security Council resolution that demands an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages held by Hamas, aligning with the Council’s directives.

They asserted in their editorial, which appeared in Le Monde, the Washington Post, Al Rai, and Al Ahram, that the ongoing warfare and the resulting dire humanitarian situation in Gaza must cease immediately. They advocated for significantly more aid to be permitted into Gaza.

With increasing global calls, including from its principal ally, the United States, Israel faces mounting pressure to consent to a ceasefire.

Hamas has expressed openness to considering a ceasefire and a potential exchange of hostages and prisoners following discussions in Cairo.

Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant mentioned that the current moment might be opportune for such an agreement, amid the ongoing six-month conflict with Islamist militants in Gaza. Despite ongoing negotiations, Netanyahu has disclosed plans for a military incursion into Rafah.

The U.S. State Department has reiterated its stance, highlighting the potentially devastating impact an invasion would have on civilians and on Israeli security as well.

The conflict was initiated by a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,170 individuals, predominantly civilians, according to Israeli data.

Over 250 Israeli and foreign hostages were taken by Palestinian militants, with 129 still being held in Gaza, including 34 whom the Israeli military has declared deceased.

In retaliation, Israel’s counter-offensive has resulted in at least 33,207 fatalities in Gaza, with the vast majority being women and children, as reported by the health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza.