26 EU member states call on Netanyahu to 'stop'

In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of 26 European Union member states expressed their reaction to Israel's evacuation order issued early today for the eastern part of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, calling on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to proceed with the attack.

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26 EU member states call on Netanyahu to 'stop'

Israel issued an evacuation order early today for the eastern part of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

Reactions were swift against Israel, which asked civilians who had fled Israeli bombardment and taken refuge in the area to move to the city of Khan Yunis in the south and to camps in the al-Mawasi region.

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stated in a declaration, "A ceasefire is urgent to save the hostages and provide aid to civilians who are on the verge of starvation."

Calling for the full and immediate implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2728, which demands an immediate, lasting, and sustainable ceasefire in the region, Borrell added, "Israel's obligation to ensure full, safe, rapid, and unhindered access to humanitarian aid for those in need remains."

JOINT STATEMENT FROM 26 EU COUNTRIES

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement that an Israeli attack on Rafah would be "completely unacceptable."

In a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of 26 EU member states, a call was made to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to continue with the attack, stating that it would "further worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian situation."

'ATTACKS ON RAFAH WOULD BE THE FINAL NAIL IN THE COFFIN'

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that attacks on Rafah would be the 'final nail in the coffin' for humanitarian aid operations in the Gaza Strip.

A statement from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs also noted that for the more than 1 million displaced Palestinians sheltering in Rafah, "any ground operation would mean more suffering and death."

In a statement from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) warning against the consequences of an attack on Rafah, it was stated, "UNRWA is not evacuating. The agency will maintain its presence in Rafah as long as possible and will continue to provide life-saving aid to people."

News Source: 12punto