US President Joe Biden has said an Israeli offensive in Rafah “should not proceed without a credible plan for ensuring the safety” of more than one million Palestenians sheltering there.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk warns that a potential assault on Rafah, the southern Gazan city, would be “terrifying” and likely to kill many civillians. Rafah, home to over half of the Gaza Strip’s population, has been hit by heavy Israeli air strikes, with casualties reported. Many displaced people are living in makeshift shelters with limited access to safe water or food. Israeli’s military has rescued two male Israeli-Argentine hostages.
President Biden appealed for Rafah civilian’s protection after meeting with Jordan’s King Abdullah. He opposed forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza andn urged Israel to consider refugees. Several countries and international organizations warned Israel against further action.
Rafah, near Egypt, is the only humanitarian aid entry point into Gaza. Israel launched operations after 1,200 deaths and 253 hostages by Hamas-led gunmen on 7 October. The health ministry reports 28,340 Palestinians killed and 68,000 wounded since October 7.